A STUDENT has been fined for using her grandfather’s disabled parking badge while she met friends for coffee.

Hannah Kirby parked in a disabled bay on New Elvet, Durham City, with her grandfather’s blue badge on display, Peterlee Magistrates’ Court heard.

A Durham County Council parking officer spotted the badge and a colleague called Kirby’s grandfather, who was at home.

On returning to the car, Kirby initially lied about what had happened, the court heard, before admitting she had been for coffee with friends and saying sorry to the officer for wasting their time.

The 21-year-old, of Moor View, Greencroft, near Stanley, pleaded guilty by post to misusing a blue badge and was fined £40. She must also pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £60.

In mitigation, she apologised for the offence and said her only income was a student loan.

Adrian White, head of transport and contract services at the council, said: “Misuse of a blue badge by someone who is not disabled is an offence and anyone misusing a badge is also taking up a parking space that somebody with a disability may need.

“This case demonstrated that we will take action when we have to.”