A MUM from Rubery wrongly taken to court over claims she broke Covid lockdown rules while co-parenting with her ex has finally had the case thrown out.

Carer Andrea Lloyd was shocked when two police officers appeared at her home amid the second nationwide lockdown in November 2020.

Her partner - part of her support bubble - was leaving the house just as her ex dropped off their son after a visit with his dad.

The officers fined her £200 for having more than two people in her house - despite regulations stating an exemption for kids moving between separated families.

She refused to pay and received a court summons for non-payment of the fine, and after an 11-month wait, attended the trial at Reddich Magistrates Court.

But the case was dismissed before it started, and now Andrea - who feared she'd end up in prison - is demanding an apology.

Andrea, aged 44 said: "I cried and cried and cried.

"It was like a massive weight had been taken off my shoulders.

"I was extremely happy, and so relieved, because I had spent 11 months in fear of going to prison.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Andrea Lloyd. Image/ SWNSAndrea Lloyd. Image/ SWNS

"I had been terrified, and I had felt helpless all the time, and my son had been terrified of me being taken away.

"I had been so scared about what would happen to my children, I'm the primary carer and the youngest was three."

Musician Andrea was at home with partner David King, 54, when her ex arrived to drop off their then 13-year-old son.

West Mercia officers arrived and said they'd had a complaint about loud music, and issued the fine for breach of the Coronavirus Act 2020.

The single mum refused to take the piece of paper, so they posted it the next day.

She tried to explain that she and David formed a support bubble, and their son suffers with anxiety and depression, so it was necessary for his dad to come inside for a handover, but the police said they weren't interested, she said.

Covid rules at the time allowed for childcare handovers, and she said the men kept a distance, in a bid to be safe.

Terrified Andrea appeared at Worcester Magistrates court in June, where the trial was set for August 11 at Reddich, and then adjourned to October 5.

The CPS didn't appear, Andrea said, so a barrister stood in.

The barrister said the case should be dismissed because she hadn't been in breach of the act, and the magistrate said she was free to go, she claims.

Andrea was awarded compensation for her travel costs.

"I was absolutely shocked to be fined, and really really upset," she said.

"I was made to feel like a criminal, and it was shocking - absolutely shocking.

"I've been failed by the institution that should be there to protect me.

"I used to feel the police made me safe but I no longer feel that."

A CPS spokesperson said: “Having examined the details of this case, we concluded that the case did not meet our legal test for a prosecution and it was discontinued.”

A spokesperson from West Mercia Police said: "We respect the decision of the court in this case.

"West Mercia Police officers were faced with unprecedented circumstances during the lockdown restrictions and we attempted to strike the right balance between education and use of the legislation.

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"Together with other forces across the country, we followed the four Es approach to policing the coronavirus regulations of Engage, Explain, Encourage and where necessary Enforce.

"We encourage anyone who is dissatisfied in their dealings with West Mercia Police to visit the feedback and complaints section of our website."