Quote Originally Posted by Elwood Blues View Post
But he hasn't been charged. He would have been charged if he refused to pay the fine and gone to a magistrates court.

Much as many may like it to be so, he is not a criminal.
He was charged with an offence under the The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020.

He was offered the opportunity of discharging any liability to conviction for the offence by payment of a fixed penalty. If he accepted that there was no need for a court appearance to argue his guilt or innocence. His agreement to pay the fine under the fixed penalty notice means he will not have a criminal record.

This shouldn't be this tricky.