A CRACKDOWN on blue badge cheats has yielded its first criminal convictions, with two law-flouting drivers hit with fines.

Now Durham County Council traffic chiefs hope the punishment meted out to Maralyn Maughen and Andrew Cogdon will deter other drivers from abusing disabled parking permits.

The council launched a crackdown on misuse of blue badges this summer, warning those flouting the rules they risk a fine of up to £1,000.

Officers on patrol on Framwelgate Waterside, Durham City, caught Cogdon parking illegally on July 7 – the first day of the operation; and Maughen on August 5.

Neither attended Peterlee Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, October 27) but both pleaded guilty to misusing a disabled person’s badge and were fined in their absence.

Maughen, of Ryedale, Belmont, Durham City, misused her elderly mother’s badge and lied to officers, telling them she was about to pick her up from a dental appointment, the court heard.

She later admitted she was in fact at home.

In a letter to the court, the 61-year-old said she was thoroughly ashamed of her actions and apologised.

She was most upset at having to tell her mother what she had done, she added.

Magistrates issued a £130 fine and ordered Maughen to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £464.47 in prosecution costs.

Cogdon, of Kentmere Avenue, Sunderland, misused his father’s badge and also lied, telling officers he was nearby when he was in fact at home, the court heard.

In a letter to the court, the 24-year-old Bournemouth University student said he survived only with financial support from his parents.

Magistrates issued a £37 fine and ordered Cogdon to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £150 in prosecution costs.

Afterwards, Adrian White, the council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “We hope that these successful prosecutions serve as a deterrent to others who misuse disabled parking badges.

“Accessible and close parking bays are absolutely vital to people with disabilities who rely on them to be able to use local shops and amenities.

“We would urge members of the public to get in touch if they’re aware of anyone misusing a blue badge and help us to tackle this issue.”

Misuse of a blue badge can be reported by calling 08000-321-663.