A man has been fined hundreds of pounds for using a dead person's blue badge to park in a disabled bay.

Carl Sandland, of High Street, Northfleet, used the badge at the Bexleyheath Bowling Centre car park on October 2, last year.

It had been cancelled six months earlier when the badge holder passed away and was given to Sandland by his passenger, who had power of attorney for the deceased.

Sandland submitted a written guilty plea to Bexley Magistrates’ Court, claiming he used the badge by mistake. He said he had intended to use a valid one, but there was no sign of him having such a badge with him when he committed the offence.

A Bexley Council spokesman said: "Misuse of blue badges is a serious issue because it causes difficulties for genuine badge holders, who need to park close to facilities.

"Badges should always be returned when the holder no longer needs them and we will continue to prosecute cases when we believe they are being misused."

Sandland was fined £400, with £440 court costs and charges.