Crime Solicitors

Manchester City Council has prosecuted a local man for misusing a Blue Badge belonging to his brother, in order to park in a bay reserved for disabled motorists.

Malulo Evandro Joao Francisco, of Blencarn Walk in Harpurhey, Manchester, pleaded guilty to the offence at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.

He was fined £440 and ordered to pay court costs of £169, plus a Victim Surcharge of £44 – a total of £653.

The court heard that, on Tuesday 15 November 2016, the offence was witnessed by an enforcement officer working for Manchester City Council, when Francisco was observed parking a white Vauxhall Mokka in a disabled bay on Lower Ormond Street, Manchester and displaying a Blue Badge.

Under caution, Francisco admitted that the badge holder – his brother – was at home and that he had intended to use the badge to park for free while attending university that day.

Francisco, 22, also admitted that he was fully aware that it was a criminal offence to use the Blue Badge without the badge holder being present.

Executive Member for the Environment, Councillor Angeliki Stogia, said:

“Francisco was caught deliberately using a parking space reserved for disabled motorists, in full knowledge of the fact that his actions were illegal.

“He has been fined and I hope that the penalty will deter others who think they can get away with abusing the Blue Badge scheme.

”Our officers are out on Manchester’s streets on a daily basis to ensure that Blue Badge cheats are detected and punished.

“We have no hesitation in prosecuting any motorists caught exploiting a system which exists to help people with disabilities to live independently.”

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