A woman who held a birthday party in her back garden during lockdown has been fined following a court hearing.

Monique Davis admitted hosting a party, complete with a marquee, to mark her 45th birthday at her home in Leytonstone on November 15.

She was one of 62 people accused of breaking Covid restrictions at a special "Corona Court" sitting at City of London Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The defendants, from across the capital, were ordered to attend court because they had failed to pay fixed penalty notices on time.

Davis, who claims to be a care worker, did not attend court but issued her guilty plea by post.

Jennifer Gatland, prosecuting, said: "The allegations relate to a birthday party held in Mayville Road in Leytonstone.

"There was a marquee and it was hosting a large amount of people who did not reside at the address.

"When an officer tried to engage with her, Ms Davis was not very cooperative. She also lied to the police stating the party was via Zoom. Obviously, they found out otherwise.

"The police officer said in his statement that they saw a number of people behind her when she answered the door. He said that a number of people had complained about the noise.

"She stated that the police could not search her home without a warrant."

Ms Gartland continued: "The lady made comments that the officers were being rude and said she was having a Zoom party.

"When the officer explained that they had seen two people leave earlier, she said those people had come over that day to give her some gifts.

"When the officers explained that two people coming over to give presents was in breach of Covid-19 restrictions, she slammed the door to the officer and began swearing.

"Police witnessed 12 people running away from the property, some getting into cars and taxis, and others jumping over fences."

Magistrate chair Andrew Hammond said: "This is a serious matter and we take a dim view of people who flagrantly break regulations intended to keep people safe.

"It's clearly an illustration of willful disregard of lockdown rules and an element of evasiveness when confronted by police. It's simply not acceptable."

Davis was ordered to pay £1,546 by March 26.