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Instagram influencer escapes hotel quarantine after 'damaging room'

A social media influencer has been issued a fine for fleeing mandatory coronavirus hotel quarantine in Sydney.

Sarah Josephine Liberty, 39, fled a hotel on Pitt Street, Sydney, on Saturday about 10pm, NSW Police told Yahoo News Australia.

Ms Liberty was confronted by a security guard as she approached a fire exit, and after a brief struggle between the pair, she fled, officers said.

Sarah Josephine Liberty, 39, is pictured.
Sarah Josephine Liberty, 39, was fined for leaving hotel quarantine in Sydney. Source: Instagram/ Sarah Josephine Liberty

The woman was found at Circular Quay about 10.45pm and returned to the hotel, before being taken to hospital for assessment, police said.

She was fined $1000 under the NSW Public Health Act.

Police claimed the sprinkler system in the 39-year-old’s hotel room had been “significantly damaged”.

An investigation is being undertaken into the damage.

The 39-year-old is the only person in NSW to be fined for leaving hotel quarantine since travellers were first placed in hotels on March 29.

Ms Liberty wrote on Instagram on Friday she felt anxiety about being kept in a hotel room for two weeks.

She added she had recently returned from Paris.

“Having said that, I understand why confinement is necessary and am so happy to be home,” she said on Instagram.

“So wish me Bon Courage for the next two weeks, and watch out for me when I’m released!

“I’m a woman on a mission.”

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