Parking row erupts after fraudster tried to use dead dad's Blue Badge to avoid paying

When challenged by a traffic warden, McGuire claimed she was collecting her father.

However, she returned to the vehicle nine minutes later without him.

The traffic warden questioned her again about the badge's use and subsequently issued a parking fine.

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council investigation later revealed the Blue Badge belonged to McGuire's late father.

McGuire was prosecuted at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, facing charges of unlawfully using a disabled person's badge and fraud by false representation.

The court heard that magistrates initially questioned whether to proceed, given that a parking penalty had already been issued.

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McGuire told the court: "When we parked there, my mum realised she hadn't got any change, but with having the Blue Badge, I just pulled it out.

"We were there for nine minutes and I realised I shouldn't have been there. I wouldn't say I did it for my own gain, it was just a picture of my dad I had in the car."

Despite the existing parking penalty, magistrates decided to proceed with the case.

They ultimately accepted that McGuire had made what they termed a "silly mistake".

The court handed down a six-month conditional discharge for McGuire.

She was also ordered to pay £265 in costs and a £26 victim surcharge, bringing the total financial penalty to £291.

Another homeowner has sparked a heated dispute with their neighbour over parking arrangements on their residential street.

The issue has escalated to the point where the aggrieved homeowner is now considering purchasing a second vehicle.