Enniskillen Court House, RMGFH04
A 60-year-old man, who clipped the elbow of a traffic warden who had just issued him with a parking ticket, has escaped a driving ban.
William Neely of Cavan Lane, Cavantillycormick in Ballinamallard was charged with careless driving and having no vehicle test certificate on December 12th last.
Enniskillen Magistrates Court was told on Wednesday that a traffic warden had issued a parking ticket to Neely whose vehicle was parked at Market Street, Enniskillen. Neely had then reversed his vehicle and clipped the traffic warden on the arm.
The court was told that the injured party had hurt his elbow and was left shaken following the incident.
When police later questioned Neely, his response was: “Those f***ing red coats won’t let people do a day’s shopping in town”. Neely, who had originally contested the charges, also told officers that he had reversed his car out slowly and checked for pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
District Judge Nigel Broderick was told by defence solicitor Myles McManus that Neely had believed that he was legally parked at the time and had lost his temper.
Mr McManus added: “The defendant had returned to his vehicle to find the parking ticket being issued. When he challenged the traffic warden, he continued processing the fine and wouldn’t rescind the ticket.
“Mr Neely then got into his car in an irate state and got away quickly. It had not been his intention to hit the traffic warden and there were no significant injuries. If he had taken off in a more appropriate manner, there would have been no issue. He wishes to apologise formally to the traffic warden for his behaviour in confronting him. It was inappropriate but it was never my client’s intention to cause harm”.
District Judge Nigel Broderick told Neely: “Whatever your feelings of injustice, that is no excuse whatsoever for driving off in a fit of rage. The traffic warden was carrying out a public service and it is fortunate that he wasn’t seriously injured. You are very close to receiving a driving disqualification due to your attitude.”
Neely was fined £350 and handed six penalty points. He was also ordered to pay £250 in compensation to the injured party.
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