Eltham resident charged for abusing their son’s Blue Badge
An Eltham resident pleaded guilty to using a counterfeit Blue Badge at Bexley Magistrates Court, on Wednesday 8 May.
Mr Ahmet Colak admitted to four offences after being found displaying a photocopy of a Blue Badge belonging to his disabled son on 6 October 2023, while parked on Eltham High Street.
The original badge holder was not with Mr Colak and he failed to respond to requests for information from the Council, so was summoned to appear at Bexley Magistrates Court.
He pleaded guilty to four offences: two under the Fraud Act 2006, one under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, and one Contrary to section 17 of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1972.
A council spokesperson said: “Misusing a Blue Badge, meant to help the disabled, not only deprives those who truly require the parking but also undermines the integrity of the entire system.
“Such actions are deliberate and damaging, and we must work together to keep fairness and respect within our community. So, if you see something, report it."
As Mr Colak pleaded guilty his sentence was reduced. The Judge commented that Mr Colak had potentially taken a space rightfully belonging to someone else, that he knew it was not the correct badge and that he should not have been using the Blue Badge when his son was not with him. The judge also said Mr Colak’s actions would influence how the public view the Blue Badge Scheme and could bring it into disrepute.
He was sentenced to a Community Order and required to do 40 hours of unpaid work within a 12-month period. Mr Colak was advised that if he did not undertake the work he would be in breach of the order and could be sent to prison.
As part of the sentencing, he was also ordered to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £114.
If you suspect someone of committing fraud against the Royal Borough of Greenwich, please call 0800 169 6975 or email fraud@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. Any information you give will be treated in confidence.