It Wasn't Partying That Was Banned!

I don't normally comment directly on 'political' issues (I feel a basic lack of competence and clearly have a bias). The debate about 'partygate' is, however, starting to confuse me, as I can (and do) read the small print. The UK PM and his associates, have retrospectively received police fixed penalty notices (fines), for holding/attending 'parties' in and around his 10, Downing Street residence. More fines for partying may follow (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/apr/13/boris-johnson-could-get-three-more-fines-over-partygate-say-insiders). The offences occurred, when laws banning unauthorised meetings, were in place. These laws were intended to deal with the public health emergency, created by the early stages of the Covid19 pandemic (i.e. pre-vaccines). A closely-specified list of 'unauthorised meetings', that could increase viral transmission, were banned. 'Parties' were only one extreme version of what was declared illegal and subject to police fines. People were also stopped meeting friends and relatives under circumstances deemed inappropriate. This included seeing people not in our specified, very limited 'bubble'. How can "I didn't know I was at a party" be any kind of defence, for being at an illegal gathering? Illegal gatherings didn't have to be actual parties, with cake, booze and dancing!