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A shopper has become the first person in Kent to be charged for refusing to wear a face mask.
Sam Francis, of Slades Drive, Chislehurst , was stopped during a visit to Bluewater shopping centre.
The 30-year-old was arrested by police patrolling the mall in Greenhithe around 1.20pm on Saturday.
He was reported to have refused to wear a face mask when quizzed.
In addition to a breach of the Covid-19 rules he was also charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
Francis was bailed and is due to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on November 12.
A spokesman for Bluewater said: “Our security teams are working hard to ensure visitors are safe whilst also reminding guests to follow Government guidance.
"We are very grateful to the overwhelming majority of guests who are wearing masks during their visit to Bluewater.
"We are fully co-operating with police on the incident in question – the safety of our guests is our highest priority.”
