Nathan Carter apologises for 'irresponsible' actions following gathering

Nathan Carter on the stage at the Live at the Marquee Cork. File picture: Miki Barlok

Police in the North attended the home of country singer Nathan Carter last week in relation to an alleged breach of Covid-19 regulations.

Mr Carter confirmed that police had attended his home last Friday after his family visiting from Liverpool had organised a barbecue for his birthday. 

"They believed that this gathering was within the current Covid 19 restrictions in the North, however it transpires that it was not," said a statement from Mr Carter.

"The organiser has already paid the fine that was issued.

"Given the restrictions, I realise how irresponsible these actions were and I fully apologise."

According to the Covid-19 restrictions in the North, up to six people from no more than two households can meet in a private home and stay overnight.

Up to 15 people – including children – from no more than three households can meet up outdoors in a private garden.

The PSNI confirmed to the Irish Examiner that police received a report in relation to “a house party and a suspected breach of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021” at an address in Lisbellaw at 10.30pm on May 28.

Officers attended the address “where at least 50 people were present”, the PSNI said.

“Enforcement action was taken, including 14 Cov 7 £200 [€232] fines and one Cov 9 £1,000 [€1,160] fine. A Cov 2 Prohibition Notice was also issued.” 

The PSNI said further enforcement action is expected.

Liverpool-born Carter is one of Ireland’s biggest country acts.

In 2012, he shot to fame with a cover of the song Wagon Wheel, which charted in both Ireland and the UK.

Mr Carter has released 11 albums and scored his first Irish number 1 in 2013 with Where I Wanna Be.