Gym ‘boss’ who ‘defied orders to shut during second coronavirus lockdown’ is hauled before court 

Gym ‘boss’ who ‘defied orders to shut during second coronavirus lockdown’ is hauled before court

  • Spartans Gym in Southampton, Hants, was still open on the start of lockdown
  • ‘Boss’ Josh Gosling appeared in dock but claimed to be just passionate member 
  • Pleaded not guilty to two counts of failing to comply with reasonable instruction
  • Gym faces the same charges although it was not clear who owns the business 

A gym was hauled into court today for refusing to shut during the second coronavirus lockdown.

Police were called to the Spartans Gym in Southampton, Hants., last week following reports the owner had vowed to stay open despite the government’s guidelines.

Officers handed over documents and warned a man they believed to be the manager that he would be taken to court if he continued to flout the rules.

Today gym ‘boss’ Josh Gosling appeared at court charged with breaking coronavirus legislation – but claimed he was simply a passionate member of the gym, not the owner.

Gym ‘boss’ Josh Gosling (pictured) appeared at Southampton Crown Court charged with breaking coronavirus legislation – but claimed he was simply a passionate gym member

He pointed out during the hearing that the owners of the Spartans Gym were not in court as the director listed had resigned months before the lockdown.

Southampton Magistrates Court heard Spartans Gym had refused to shut despite the nationwide lockdown.

Police were first called to its premises at 10.20am on November 5 following reports the gym was not observing the legislation.

Gosling, who represented himself, today pleaded not guilty to two counts of failing to comply with reasonable instruction given by a relevant person, claiming he had no authority to decide if the gym remained open.

Spartans Gym faces the same charges although it was not clear who actually owns the business, with Gosling saying it is now owned by a man called ‘Dean’.

The 28-year-old told the judge: ‘First of all I don’t know why I’m here.

Police were first called to Spartans Gym in Southampton, Hants., (pictured) at 10.20am on November 5 following reports the gym was not observing the legislation

Police were first called to Spartans Gym in Southampton, Hants., (pictured) at 10.20am on November 5 following reports the gym was not observing the legislation

‘I am not a manager. I have no standing. I am just a passionate member of the gym. I care about it.’

When asked why police officers and staff at Southampton City Council thought he was the manager, Gosling said he had simply been at the gym when they turned up.

He continued: ‘I stood and spoke about my thoughts about what should happen with gyms in the UK.

‘I am not the owner of the gym…

‘I don’t believe that what the government has done is correct.’

The hearing for Gosling, and Spartans Gym, was adjourned until January 27 when a full trial will take place.

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