Stephen Doughty, 77, Fined £500 for Assaulting Traffic Warden Wendy Williams in Welshpool

Stephen Doughty, a 77-year-old retired lorry driver, has been fined GBP#500 and ordered to pay GBP#200 compensation to traffic warden Wendy Williams, following an incident in Welshpool, Powys. Doughty admitted assault by beating after footage showed him threatening and slapping Williams.

The court was presented with body-cam footage from November, depicting Doughty's aggressive behaviour at the Seven Stars car park. He became agitated when a pay-and-display machine failed to accept his coins for a GBP#2.50 parking fee, fearing he would receive a ticket.

Footage captured Doughty shouting abuse at Ms Williams, including threats such as: "Do you want me to lump you now?" and "I'll thump you straight in the gob." He also slapped her hand as she used a handheld device and called her role a "scum job."

Prosecutor Helen Tench stated the assault had a "detrimental impact" on Ms Williams, although no physical injuries were reported. A civilian employee of Dyfed-Powys Police intervened, challenging Doughty's actions and instructing him to apologise.

In mitigation, defence solicitor Robert Hanratty noted Doughty's anxiety and stated he regretted the incident, acknowledging he had vented his frustration on Ms Williams. Probation officer Julian Davies corroborated that Doughty became "very frustrated" with the parking machine. However, the court heard Doughty has two previous convictions for battery and threatening behaviour.

Magistrates ordered Doughty to pay a total of GBP#985, including the fine, compensation, a GBP#200 victim surcharge, and GBP#85 in court costs.