Vancouver penthouse party host sentenced to one day in jail

A Vancouver penthouse owner who was arrested and charged for hosting large parties in a “makeshift nightclub” inside his residence this past January has now been sentenced to one day in jail and an 18-month probation as a result of his actions.

The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) confirmed the sentences to Daily Hive on Wednesday, after Mohammad Movassaghi pleaded guilty earlier this month to two counts of violating the Public Health Act and provincial COVID-19 orders, as well as the unlawful possession and distribution of liquor.

He will spend one day in jail after receiving credit for serving 10 days pre-sentence, and was also made to pay $50 in connection with the first count. He was fined $5,000 for the second count, plus a $750 victim surcharge, and given 18 months probation.

• See also:
  • Vancouver penthouse owner fined over “makeshift nightclub” files police complaint
  • Man fined after having “makeshift nightclub” in Vancouver condo
  • Man arrested, $17K in fines issued after “makeshift nightclub” found at Vancouver penthouse

The charges come after 42-year-old Movassaghi was arrested under the Public Health Act, following a party at his residence at the end of January.

At the time, police also said each party guest was issued a $230 ticket for failing to wear a face covering, and that in total, over $17,000 in fines were issued to the 77 guests for attending a non-compliant event, contrary to BC’s Emergency Program Act.