Coronavirus: Scottish man jailed for travelling across Irish Sea on jet ski to see girlfriend is freed

A man who was jailed for travelling across the Irish Sea on a jet ski to see his girlfriend during lockdown has been let go in time for Christmas, according to reports.

Adventurous romantic Dale McLaughlan made headlines worldwide earlier this month after he went from mainland Scotland to the Isle of Man by jet ski to see his girlfriend, Jessica Radcliffe, despite the island's strict Covid rules.

He was arrested shortly after arriving on the island and given a four week prison sentence.

But today, IOMToday revealed the 28-year-old from Irvine had been pictured being escorted by prison staff to board a boat from the island to Heysham, Lancashire.

A jetskier photographed off the beach at Bournemouth picture: PA

Mr McLaughlan, who has been dubbed ‘Jet Ski Romeo’ in the media, has officially been released from Isle of Man Prison after serving just under half of his four week prison term for breaching the island’s Covid entry regulations.

It is understood the he didn’t get to see Jessica, who reportedly calls him her “hero”, before leaving the island.

Mr McLaughlan made the treacherous 25-mile jet ski journey across the Irish Sea on December 11.

It has been reported the roofer thought the mission would take him just 40 minutes on the vessel. But, due to bad weather, the ambitious Scot was at sea for about four and a half hours before he reached his girlfriend’s homeland.

Mr McLaughlan then apparently walked 15 miles to Jessica’s home in Douglas.

At the time of when Mr McLaughlan travelled, Nicola Sturgeon had strongly advised against travel across the border unless it was for essential purposes only.

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