Published Wednesday, 19th April 2017

A licensed taxi driver convicted of assaulting two members of the Council’s parking team has been given a community order requiring him to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work.

Additionally he was ordered to pay court costs of £680, £75 compensation to one of the victims and £50 compensation to the other victim, plus a £25 victim surcharge.

Miran Sayed, 35, of Ivedon Road, Welling, DA16 1NW was sentenced at Staines Magistrates Court on Wednesday 12 April after being found guilty of assaulting a Civil Enforcement Officer and Parking team colleague in Horley on 15 December 2016.

Not tollerated

Cllr James Durrant, Executive Member for Enforcement, said: “I am pleased with this guilty verdict. I am shocked and appalled that anyone thinks they can assault a member of our staff for just doing their job; everyone has the right to go to work without fear of intimidation.

“People need to take responsibility for where they park. If they are not happy about being told that they cannot park somewhere or for being given a parking ticket they cannot take out their frustration on our staff. Anyone who receives a penalty charge notice that they disagree with can appeal through the proper channels.

“I hope this sends a strong message that we will not tolerate abuse of our staff and will work with the police to seek the highest penalty if found guilty through the courts.”

The case was brought by the Crown Prosecution Service.