Covid charges against city gym dropped

However, Spartans Gym could still face legal action for covid breaches, according to the city council.

• Gym ‘still open’ despite new lockdown - and council will not say if it will take action
• Spartans Gym did not respond when contacted by the Daily Echo.

Josh Gosling was due to stand trial next month.

The “passionate gym member” had been accused of opening the site in Millbank Street during the coronavirus lockdown in November.

He had been charged with two counts of failing to comply with reasonable instruction given by a relevant person in England.

Gosling, of Tickner Close, Botley, represented himself during a previous court hearing and protested his innocence insisting he was neither the owner nor manager.

•  'Why has it taken so long?' - Questions asked after gym finally shut down
• Southampton gym which 'refused to close in November lockdown' still open in Tier 4​

Court documents have revealed that the offences against Gosling and Spartans have now been withdrawn - which the city council has since confirmed.

Spartans Gym Southampton Limited currently has no company officers with the council saying it is investigating other lines of enquiry which are likely to lead to further legal proceedings.

In November, Spartans was made the subject to a prohibition notice having been accused of operating during Tier 4 restrictions.

• Police 'continue to monitor' gym which appears to be open despite Tier 4 rules

Regardless, people in gym clothing were spotted coming and going from the site throughout December and the start of January. According to police, the gym in the Northam area of the city received reports of potential breaches on November 20, December 26, and December 28. City council officers alongside police finally raided it on January 5.

A council spokesperson said: “The council is currently investigating other lines of enquiry relating to the operation of Spartans Gym during the restrictions imposed by the health protection regulations in November and the enforced closure on 5 January 2021.

“This is likely to result in further legal proceedings and led to the decision not to proceed with the prosecution scheduled for this week. We are unable to disclose any further information at this time.”