Crime’ note left driver in tears
ADISABLED Ormskirk woman returned from a shopping trip to find a note on her car calling her a “blue badge conman” and a fraud – despite having a valid permit.
The 51-year-old, who wishes to remain unnamed, parked her car in a disabled parking bay in London Street, in Southport, on Monday, February 26.
As she has been disabled for the past 27 years, she left her blue disabled parking badge on display in her vehicle and went shopping.
At around 6.15pm, when she returned, she discovered that a note reading “Blue badge conman. Fraud” had been left under her windscreen wiper.
The offensive note was written on paper from Ladbrokes.
The woman said: “Obviously this person lost at Ladbrokes the bookies and decided to upset someone else on their way home. I’m am totally disgusted with this note, having been disabled for 27 years.”
She described the “hurtful” note as being a hate crime, and has reported the incident to the police.
The woman suffers from bronchiectasis, a primary immunodeficiency disease, and a rare form of multiple sclerosis, which means she has difficulty walking at times.
She added: “This is a classic example of com- plete ignorance of hidden disabilities.
“I refuse to be made to feel like I should wear a huge neon sign telling the world about my various medical conditions and justify why I am entitled to park there in a disabled bay. The blue badge says I am entitled, an entitlement I might add that requires me to go through countless rigorous checks to be awarded one.”
A police spokesperson said: “The victim has returned to her car and found the note which she has since reported to police.
“She is quite rightly upset by the situation and Merseyside police are investigating this as a hate crime incident.”
The woman said that the incident has left her feeling intimidated and vulnerable when she leaves her house.
She added: “If I am a fraud, why was I sat in tears staring at the note?
“Quite frankly, I’d love to be a fraud right now.
“You should never judge a book by its cover, not all disabilities can always be seen.”