When motorist Michael Mancini found himself stuck in a queue of traffic with a runny nose, he instinctively reached for his hankie. However, the simple act of pulling out a tissue and blowing his nose earned him a £60 on-the-spot fine because he was ‘not in proper control of his vehicle’. Policeman Stuart Gray, nicknamed PC Shiny Buttons for his zealous approach to the job, also handed out three points – even though Mr Mancini had his handbrake on. Now Mr Mancini, a 39-year-old father-of-two, faces a potentially expensive legal battle to clear his name after vowing not to pay the fine. He is the latest victim of PC Gray, who is no stranger to controversy. A few months ago, the officer issued a £50 fixed penalty for littering to unemployed Stewart Smith, who accidentally dropped a £10 note in the street as he left a shop. Last night Mr Mancini spoke of his disbelief at his experience. ‘I was just completely gobsmacked,’ the furniture restorer said. ‘I thought it was some kind of Beadle’s About moment – a wind-up. ‘I made sure it was safe. The traffic was nose to tail in the high street. ‘We came to a complete stop and I thought that was quite a good time to blow my nose. ‘I stopped the van and put the handbrake on. The traffic moved on and I was waved across by an officer. ‘I still had the tissue in my hand and was stunned when he said I was getting a fixed-penalty notice. Surely it would have been more dangerous to drive with a blocked nose?’ More
(AD Comments ~ This petty bureaucracy is getting more commonplace and more annoying. There must be a lot more serious crimes to punish, than this!)
Jan 292010
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