Assaulted Parking Attendant Wins in Court

Parking Attendant, Brian Mondiwa was relieved on Monday 22 July when he won a court case against a member of the public who verbally and physically assaulted him as a result of being issued a penalty charge notice.

Mr Mondiwa, an employee of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames’ parking contractor – Sureways since November 2001, was pleased to see the defendant, Mr Herlingshaw, receive a £400 fine for the verbal and physical abuse carried out against him. Mr Herlingshaw was also asked to pay £150 court costs and £50 compensation.

The court heard that the incident occurred on 28 February 2002 at approximately 09:30 as Mr Mondiwa issued a parking ticket to a car illegally parked on a single yellow line on Hampton Hill High Street. As he was issuing the ticket, Mr Herlingshaw snatched it from his hand and ripped it up in front of him. He proceeded to shout abuse at Mr Mondiwa and, as the parking attendant turned to walk away, he was punched in the neck area and was then pushed by Mr Herlingshaw. Two passers-by assisted Mr Mondiwa and prevented Mr Herlingshaw from driving away by taking his keys from him.

Sharon Hatton, Manager at Sureways commented on their recent victory: "Since the incident Mr Mondiwa has continued his duty as a parking attendant. The job as a parking attendant is often a thankless one and they are often faced with verbal and physical abuse from angry drivers. Yesterday’s result shows that the courts will not be lenient with members of the public who abuse parking attendants who are doing their job."

Cllr Tony Arbour, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member Combatting Crime commented: "I would like to offer my congratulations to Mr Mondiwa for his public spirit. I hope that the courts will continue to support those council staff who are attacked and other public servants who are doing their duty."

ENDS

Press contact: Sally Bolt Tel: 020 8891 7161 email: s.bolt@richmond.gov.uk

The above was a London Borough of Richmond press release.