Just to explain the details in the Liverpool Echo article.
The case would’ve been proved in their absence and then sentenced under the “single justice procedure”, one magistrate and a legal advisor working together on Zoom. Without any correspondence from the defendant, they would just be told the police’s version of events.
The £1760 fine is a Band E fine, 400% of relevant weekly earnings. When no information is provided, the court assumes this to be £440. There are no sentencing guidelines for Covid offences, magistrates were issuing much lower and inconsistent fines than this until directed otherwise by Justices’ Clerks.
As an aside, it’s not exactly open justice and the Covid fines are large. I’d expect some future scrutiny of the wider application, and personally think it’s unjust. I think it’s a shame they were charged with Covid offences instead of something like harassment, as this just fuels their nonsense.
In terms of enforcement, it’s a slow process. The fines may be reduced at any enforcement hearing if the defendant explains that their income was less than £440 (to a minimum income of £120), this wouldn’t have any impact on the costs and surcharge. As previously mentioned, deduction of benefits/earnings is a potential method.
I doubt they will ever pay the full £1760+£100+£176.