Blue Badge misuse lands motorist with huge bill

Nasrullah Husseini, of North Seventh Street, told city magistrates he had found the badge and been told by a stranger that he could use it to park for free.

He claimed he didn’t know it was for disabled people, but magistrates did not accept his explanation.

“We take Blue Badge fraud very seriously and we will actively pursue any reports of misuse,” said a council anti-fraud spokesman.

“It is a criminal offence, but more importantly it means a parking space specifically set aside for disabled people to access services is not available to them, This is wrong on so many levels.”

Husseini was fined £200, ordered to pay full costs of £730 and pay a victim surcharge of £20.

To report misuse of a Blue Badge permit, or any other kind of fraud, ring the council’s Fraud Hotline on 01908 253587.