Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Criniger kolio

Frenchman fined after crossing mountains to buy cheap cigarettes

He fell into a stream, in brambles, got lost and ended up contacting the emergency services.

A MAN WHO tried to walk from France to Spain to buy cheap cigarettes was rescued in the Pyrenees mountains – only to be fined for flouting  anti-coronavirus regulations.

The man had initially set out by car on Saturday from Perpignan in southern France to La Jonquera in Spain, but was stopped at a checkpoint, and decided to make his way on foot across the mountain range that separates the two countries.

“He fell into a stream, in brambles, got lost and ended up contacting” the emergency services, a mountain unit of the gendarmerie police force in the Pyrenees-Orientales region said on Twitter.

A helicopter was sent to rescue the man, “exhausted, shivering with cold and lost,” it added.

After being brought safely back, the man was given the €135fine for breaking the confinement rules under which French residents can leave their homes only for essential reasons, and then with a self-certified note stating their business.

“We remind you once more. STAY AT HOME,” concluded the gendarmerie’s Tweet.

Many people in southern France cross the border to buy cigarettes, alcohol, some foodstuffs and fuel, which are cheaper in Spain.

© – AFP 2020

Author
View 33 comments
Close
33 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lyn NicAodha
    Favourite Lyn NicAodha
    Report
    Jun 10th 2013, 7:58 AM

    Hopefully he’ll recover…. Thinking of him and his family.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nickie Walsh
    Favourite Nickie Walsh
    Report
    Jun 10th 2013, 9:25 AM

    The lad passed away God love him. RIP and condolences to his family.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lucy
    Favourite Lucy
    Report
    Jun 10th 2013, 10:27 AM

    Are you sure? Is that not a different case?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nickie Walsh
    Favourite Nickie Walsh
    Report
    Jun 10th 2013, 10:44 AM

    I heard on 9am news this morning that a 17 yr old lad who was swimming yesterday evening got into difficulty and was brought to hospital where he passed away. News on 2fm

    9
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nickie Walsh
    Favourite Nickie Walsh
    Report
    Jun 10th 2013, 10:45 AM

    They said he passed away this morning but was brought in last night.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Murphy
    Favourite Stephen Murphy
    Report
    Jun 10th 2013, 8:51 AM

    A picture of the river, where he got into difficulty please and not the hospital. So other people, can avoid the area and hopefully he’ll recover?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diana Duarte
    Favourite Diana Duarte
    Report
    Jun 10th 2013, 12:43 PM

    Why to Tralee and not the CUH in cork I wonder?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David O'Sullivan
    Favourite David O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jun 10th 2013, 1:26 PM

    It happened near the border with Kerry, Tralee is closer than CUH

    6
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds