Blue Badge Fraud Prosecution
A woman from Purfleet has been prosecuted for fraudulent use of a disabled persons parking badge – also known as a ‘blue badge’.
Thurrock Council’s Counter Fraud and Investigation Service began investigating Jeanette Emery of Marlow Avenue, Purfleet, in December 2015.
Investigators found that Emery’s vehicle was being parked in a controlled parking zone near Purfleet train station displaying a blue badge which had been issued to Emery’s mother – who had passed away in April 2014.
By displaying the badge, Emery could park freely in the controlled zone without paying parking fees and without the risk of a penalty charge notice.
It was explained to the court that Emery had previously applied for her own blue badge but this had been refused as she did not meet the criteria.
Emery pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representations and one of possession of an article for use in fraud at Basildon Magistrates Court. She was sentenced to 120 hours unpaid work and was ordered to pay the council’s costs of £2,181 and a £60 victim surcharge.
Cabinet Member responsible for the Counter Fraud and Investigation Service, Cllr Shane Hebb, said: “Blue Badges are given to those in genuinely need. People who illegitimately use a Blue Badge only parking space are depriving someone who actually needs it. My thanks go to the hard working officers who continue to protect not only Thurrock’s public purse, but who are also prosecuting offenders who subvert the system for selfish gain, at the expense of the vulnerable.
“Let me be clear – Thurrock Council take a zero tolerance approach to this.”
If you suspect fraud is being committed against Thurrock Council you can report it by emailing reportfraud@thurrock.gov.uk.
