Man uses 'pants' excuse to park illegally
A man's been fined hundreds of pounds for parking on double-yellow lines whilst nipping to buy underpants.
A driver who went out to buy some underpants has been prosecuted for attempting to gain free parking by using his deceased mother’s blue badge. Graham Burrows aged 62 of Rakes Lane, Clifton, Salford was given a 10 week curfew from 7pm to 7am, ordered to pay costs of £170.37 and a £60 victim of crime surcharge. At a Manchester Magistrates’ court hearing Burrows pleaded guilty to the offence of Blue Badge Abuse. Burrows was observed parking on double yellow lines and displaying a blue badge outside Smithfield Market in Manchester, last September. Approached by officers and interviewed under caution, Burrows told them he was out buying underpants for his father. Burrows initially claimed his mother - the badge holder - was inside the market but later admitted that his mother had passed away and he was using the badge to park while shopping. Councillor Kate Chappell, Manchester City Council’s executive member for environment said: “The punishment handed down by the courts sends a strong message that selfish crimes like Blue Badge Abuse will not be tolerated. “Blue badges are there to ensure access to convenient parking for those who genuinely need it, and fraudulent use shows a total disregard to the needs of other badge holders. “Our officers are on the look out for those abusing the blue badge system and anyone found breaking the rules can expect an invitation to court to explain themselves.”