Fine for Rawmarsh motorist who used his mother’s blue badge

John Swales, of Heatons Bank, Rawmarsh, used his mother’s disabled parking badge to park in Wellgate, Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard.

Swales, who was prosecuted by Rotherham Borough Council after being spotted by an enforcement officer parking and going into a nearby bank, was dealt with in his absence.

Swales insisted that the badge holder was in town but she had already been contacted at home during the time the vehicle had been parked.

The court heard Swales refused to attend an interview under caution regarding the offence, which was committed last August, so the council proceeded to court based upon the information that it held.

He was found guilty in his absence and fined £440 with £300 costs and £44 victim surcharge.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, the council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: “This is yet another example of this extremely anti-social crime. 

“Using a blue badge fraudulently whilst the badge holder is not present is denying blue badge holders with genuine needs the opportunity to use a designated parking bay. 

“Our officers are very alert to fraudulent use of blue badges and anyone using a blue badge in such a manner runs a high risk of being caught and prosecuted.

“The council will not tolerate such activities and will take legal action whenever it is in the public interest to do so.”