A MOTORIST who racially abused a traffic warden in Bury after getting a £50 parking ticket has been handed a larger penalty.

Irfan Younis, aged 31, of Halton Street, Tonge Fold, must now pay £800 in costs, after unleashing a torrent of abuse on a female enforcement officer in Manchester Road, Bury, in June last year.

After receiving a penalty charge notice for parking in a pay-and-display spot without a ticket, Younis drove his car past the woman and shouted abuse at her, including racist comments.

He then got out of his car and continued to shout at the parking officer before throwing the parking fine on the floor then driving off.

Younis pleaded guilty to racial abuse and intimidation of a witness at Bolton Crown Court last week. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge in addition to the costs.

NSL, the UK’s largest employer of civil enforcement officers (CEO), welcomed the fine.

Spokesman Tim Cowen said: “This was a very frightening and upsetting incident for our CEO who was, after all, just doing her job.

“No-one should have to put up with abuse like this, especially public servants.

“We are pleased with the sentence from Bolton Crown Court, which sends out the message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Ian Crook, chief engineer at Bury Council, added: “Bury Council fully supports NSL and the police in prosecuting parking offenders who verbally abuse or assault enforcement officers who are carrying out their duties.

“We would urge drivers to respect enforcement officers who are employed to uphold parking regulations for the benefit of all highway users.”