Man prosecuted for blue badge fraud
The badge had been issued to a local care organisation and was not intended for personal use
Southend-on-Sea City Council has prosecuted a man for blue badge fraud.
On 23 October, Innocent Kadowonda, 40, of Gordon Road, Southend-on-Sea, pleaded guilty at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court to unlawful use of a disabled person’s parking badge and theft.
The badge had been issued to a local care organisation and was not intended for personal use.
Mr Kadowonda was fined £153, ordered to pay a Victim Surcharge of £61, and £500 in Council costs.
The incident occurred in February and was investigated by the Council’s Counter Fraud and Investigation Team over several months.
Councillor Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said: “This prosecution demonstrates our determination to protect the integrity of the blue badge scheme, and we will continue to crack down on this disgraceful behaviour.
"Misuse undermines support for those who genuinely need it and affects our community’s resources. Anyone who attempts to exploit the system can expect action from us.”