Ravel Morrison, the former Manchester United footballer, has been convicted of fraud after being caught using a deceased person’s blue badge to park.
During his interview under caution, the 30-year-old had claimed he had bought the badge from “someone in Old Trafford” for £50. Morrison, of Westbrook, Warrington, was subsequently charged with one count of fraud.
The former West Ham player appeared before Manchester magistrates court to plead guilty to the offence on Thursday. He was fined £1,000 and was ordered to pay costs of £508.32 and a victim surcharge of £400.
Manchester city council enforcement officers began their investigation in May into a white Audi S3 parked in Bridgewater Street which was displaying a blue badge.
The permits are given to people whose disabilities or health means that their mobility is limited. It entitles them to park free of charge in spaces that are often closer to shops and destinations.
The police discovered that the badge’s holder had died in February 2022 and therefore was no longer valid. The vehicle was issued with a penalty charge notice and was removed to the Manchester vehicle pound. Morrison reclaimed his vehicle later the same day.
A spokesperson for Manchester city council said: “This ruling shows that the law is applicable to everyone, with no exceptions. I am grateful for the diligent work of our investigating officers, as well as legal counsel, who were able to successfully prosecute this case.
“Our officers patrol the streets daily to ensure that blue badges are used legitimately, and we will not hesitate to take action if we discover people trying to circumvent the law.”
Morrison has had a chequered career, playing for 13 clubs around the world after leaving Manchester United in 2012 including Lazio in Serie A, Atlas in Mexico and Dutch team Den Haag.
He currently plays for DC United in Major League Soccer and has represented Jamaica internationally.
