Over £6,000 to be paid by convicted fraudster found misusing disabled blue parking badge
Wednesday 04 June 2025
A diligent investigation carried out by Bridgend County Borough Council’s fraud team has led to the conviction of a Swansea resident who has to pay over £6,000 for fraudulently using a disabled person’s blue parking badge in Porthcawl town centre.
Liam Pritchard of Pontardawe, Swansea, used the badge to park at John Street Car Park, Porthcawl, instead of paying for a parking ticket. Security checks undertaken by the council’s parking team revealed that the badge had been reported lost, was subsequently cancelled, and that the person misusing the badge was not the badge holder.
Mr Pritchard appeared before the Swansea Magistrates on the 27 May 2025 where he pleaded guilty to having a disabled blue badge in his possession for fraudulent use, in line with a charge under The Fraud Act 2006.
The magistrates, who remarked that it was a shame that Mr Pritchard had behaved in a way which led to him losing his good character, imposed the following sentence
Fine - £816
Victim surcharge - £326
Costs - £5,080
The above figures result in the total sum of £6,222 which is due to be paid by Mr Pritchard.
“The Blue Badge Scheme is designed to allow disabled residents to park closer to their destinations, thereby maintaining inclusivity and independence. Inevitably, the misuse of blue badges means that people with disabilities may be prevented from parking in an accessible place. “Our parking and fraud investigation teams are working collaboratively to raise awareness of this issue and to carry out intensive checks in a bid to deter the misuse of blue badges across the county borough. “We really hope that this case demonstrates that the fraudulent use of blue badges will not be tolerated, and our teams are committed to addressing this problem. We are working to support those residents who legitimately need blue badges to carry out their lives without car parking presenting an obstacle.”
If you suspect that a blue badge is being misused, the council urges you to report it - Report Fraud
