Woman used dead father’s blue badge

A WOMAN tried to avoid a city centre parking charge by fraudulently using her late father’s disabled badge.

Rooqia Malik was stopped by an enforcement officer after displaying the blue badge on her Lexus at New Meeting Street, near Moor Street, in Birmingham.

She confirmed it belonged to her father who had died a year earlier.

Malik, aged 47, of Farm Drive, Birmingham, apologised, saying she was going to Boots and was in a hurry.

At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court she admitted a charge of fraud by false representation. She was handed a 12-month conditional discharge. The incident occurred on August 4 last year.

Chris Howrie, prosecuting for Birmingham City Council, said: “An enforcement officer saw a lone female return to a parked and unattended Lexus. It was parked in a designated disabled bay displaying a blue badge issued by Sandwell Council.

“She unlocked the door and got in the vehicle. The officer approached showing his identity and asked to examine the badge. It was suspected the badge holder was not present.

“The officer read the warning to her, cautioned her and asked her a number of questions. She replied her dad was the badge holder, that he had passed away about a year ago and said: ‘I’m sorry’.”

Malik, representing herself, told the court: “Firstly, I would just like to say this is the first time I have committed a fraud. I shouldn’t have done it. That day I wasn’t well. I had to go to Boots and needed to be there very quickly.

It’s no excuse. I understand that it should never have happened. I sincerely apologise.”

She confirmed her take-home pay every month was £3,000 although she ultimately avoided a fine and added: “I’m just really, really sorry.”

District Judge Michelle Smith handed her a 12-month conditional discharge meaning she will not be punished if she does not commit another offence in that period. Malik was told to pay £300 court costs and £26 victim surcharge.