Motorist found guilty of racist abuse and assault on Parking Attendant
9 January 2008
Manchester Magistrates have convicted Pauline Hardy of Ardwick, Manchester, of racist abuse and assault.
Hardy was found guilty of aggravated assault and Section 5 Public Order Offence on Parking Attendant Fehmi Yilmaz, who is employed by NCP and works for Manchester City Council.
Ms. Yilmaz had legitimately issued Hardy with a penalty charge notice after she parked illegally on double yellow lines on Kincardine Road, Ardwick, in March 2007.
When Hardy returned to her car and discovered the PCN, she reacted aggressively, using racist and abusive language. Ms. Yilmaz felt threatened by the outburst and called for assistance, at which point Hardy drove away.
The incident was reported to the Greater Manchester Police at Longsight. An investigation was mounted, which resulted in Hardy being charged with Racially Aggravated Assault and Section 5 Public Order Offences.
Hardy pleaded guilty to the Section 5 Public Order offence, but had denied Racially Aggravated Assault.
Hardy was ordered to pay costs of £250 to the Court.
Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for Environment for Manchester City Council, added, "It is totally unacceptable to treat Parking Attendants this way and I am pleased that both the police and the courts have recognised the seriousness of the case. Parking Attendants provide a valuable service to the residents of Manchester and should be afforded the same respect as other public service Officers. This decision shows that where people behave in this manner, we will ensure they are brought before the courts."
Andy White, Contract Manager for NCP in Manchester said he was pleased with the outcome and hoped that this served as a clear warning to others that this type of behaviour would not be tolerated.
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