French traffic warden told to get out of country by racist driver

A driver has been fined £200 for a hate crime against a French traffic warden, calling her an "immigrant" and told her to "get out of the country".

The court heard how the warden, Melissa Marques, told Lee Parker, from Birmingham, he was parked illegally in a loading bay in Worcester. Ms Marques followed him around the corner, to which Parker shouted abuse, telling her to "shut up" before parking his car on double yellow lines.

Mr Parker flew into a rage towards Ms Marques and said, "Who are you talking to? You're an Immigrant. Where are you from, you immigrant? Get out of the country".

Parker, 55, also directed abuse towards a member of the public before driving away. Appearing at Worcester Magistrates Court, he admitted, 'racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment'.

Eleanor Peart, prosecuting, said: "This matter is a hate crime. The officer had asked Mr Parker to move the vehicle and he was immediately rude to her, telling her to 'shut up and move on' before he parked around the corner on double yellow lines, followed by the officer'.

Miss Peart added: "He was confrontational, saying it was boring and a waste of time to him". Mr Parker also abused an officer whilst being interviewed, calling him a "prat", the court heard.

Ms Marques said she regularly had members of the public abuse her and has since left the job.

Lee Parker was ordered to pay a compensation of £100, costs of £124 and a victim surcharge of £34.