Maintenance Worker Fined for Blocking Car Park During Event

A maintenance worker was fined for obstructing access to a car park during a busy event in Portadown, Northern Ireland. On September 20, 2023, Arun Anthony, aged 33, faced charges at Craigavon Magistrates Court, including driving without insurance, parking to obstruct access, and failing to display required R plates.

Police were alerted while on foot patrol in Portadown town centre when a member of the public reported being blocked from exiting the Thomas Street car park. Officers traced the vehicle back to Anthony, who was contacted through a family member. Police checks revealed that Anthony did not have valid insurance and was a restricted driver without the necessary identification plates.

When questioned, Anthony acknowledged that he had blocked access for approximately two to three hours. “I understood that when police called me, but I hadn’t noticed it at the time,” he said, adding, “It was closed when I came here.”

Anthony’s solicitor, Philip Reid, explained that his client had been living in Northern Ireland since 2023 with his wife and six-year-old child. He had taken his wife’s car to meet a friend on the day of the event, which attracted significant crowds. Reid noted that Anthony had parked in a way that he believed would not obstruct access, as the gate he parked in front of was closed at the time.

Reid further detailed that Anthony commutes to work from Dungannon and is planning to purchase a vehicle to ensure his wife can use her car for her employment. The solicitor requested that the District Judge consider a short disqualification rather than a full revocation of Anthony’s driving licence.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan deemed the imposition of penalty points “disproportionate” to the offenses committed. He issued a discretionary disqualification of three weeks for the charges of driving without insurance and failing to display R plates. Anthony was also fined £100 for each of the three offences, along with a £15 Offender Levy.

This case highlights the importance of adhering to parking regulations, especially during high-traffic events, to ensure public safety and accessibility.