Blue Badge fraudster convicted

Mohammed Shafiq, of Osborne Street, Rochdale was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work for using a disabled parking badge belonging to someone who had died. He was also told to pay back the £600 costs incurred by the council.

In passing sentence, HHJ Lewis at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester said Shafiq was "antisocial, selfish and couldn't care less about anybody else".

The Blue Badge Scheme is for drivers or passengers with severe mobility problems, who may find it difficult to use public transport. It is a criminal offence for anyone other than the badge holder to use the badge, without them present and could result in seizure of the badge as well as a fine of up to a £1,000 and/or community penalties/imprisonment.

Rochdale’s Partnership Enforcement Team (PET), a partnership between the council and police, secured the conviction following an investigation and video evidence from a member of the public.

Councillor Allen Brett, Rochdale Borough Council Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “The Blue Badge scheme is designed to help our most vulnerable residents to keep their independence by allowing them to park closer to their destinations.

"Fraudulently using a blue badge is not only a criminal offence but morally wrong as it costs the general public and could hinder those who generally need to use the scheme.

"The council is working very hard to combat the blue badge misuse and this prosecution is testament to that hard work but also to our residents who care about protecting our community.

"I would like to urge our local people to stay diligent and report any suspicious behaviour they witness to the council.”

Blue Badge fraud can be reported to Rochdale Council on 01706 926100 or www.rochdale.gov.uk