Footballer Ravel Morrison admits using dead person's Blue Badge

Morrison was given an initial fine by parking enforcement officers after checks revealed the badge's registered holder had died

A footballer who used a dead person's Blue Badge permit after buying it for £50 has admitted fraud.

Manchester magistrates heard Ravel Morrison used the badge while parked on Bridgewater Street in the city in May.

Morrison, who began his career with Manchester United before moving to West Ham, Sheffield United, Derby County and current club DC United, said he bought it from "someone in Old Trafford".

The 30-year-old, of Warrington, pleaded guilty to fraud and was fined £1,000.

He was also ordered to pay £508 in costs and a victim surcharge of £400.

Blue Badges are issued by councils to people with disabilities or mobility issues to allow them to park closer to their destinations.

Carers and family members may also be eligible.

'No exceptions'

The court was told the Jamaica international had displayed the permit on his parked white Audi on the street in Manchester city centre in May.

He was given an initial fine by parking enforcement officers after a check of the badge revealed its registered holder had died in February 2022.

Morrison's car was impounded, but he later reclaimed it.

Speaking after the hearing, a Manchester City Council representative said the ruling showed the law was "applicable to everyone, with no exceptions".

"Our officers patrol the streets daily to ensure that Blue Badges are used legitimately, and we will not hesitate to take action if we discover people trying to circumvent the law," they added.

Manchester-born Morrison, who played for England's under-21 side before appearing for Jamaica, rose through the youth ranks at Manchester United before leaving the club after only a handful of appearances.

He has since played for 12 clubs, including Queens Park Rangers, Birmingham City, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough, and signed for DC United in 2022.

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