A furious pensioner threatened to punch a female traffic warden "in the gob" during a foul-mouthed rant sparked by a pay-and-display machine that repeatedly rejected his coins. The incident, which unfolded in the market town of Welshpool, Powys, Wales, on November 12, saw retired lorry driver Stephen Doughty, 77, swear and issue violent threats to warden Wendy Williams as she patrolled the Seven Stars car park.
Frustration Over Faulty Machine
Doughty claimed he was attempting to insert £2.50 in loose change for a two-hour parking stay to go shopping, but the machine kept rejecting his coins. As Ms Williams checked the adjacent machine, Doughty, who has two previous convictions for battery and threatening behaviour, told her, "You want to get that machine fixed." The uniformed warden continued her patrol, but later checked her handheld device, which confirmed no parking ticket had been purchased for Doughty's vehicle.
Escalation of Threats and Abuse
When Ms Williams approached him, Doughty initially stated he was waiting for his partner. However, he then exited his car and walked towards her, shouting abuse and making explicit threats. According to evidence presented at Welshpool Magistrates' Court, Doughty said, "You want to f***ing bet on it. Do you want me to f***ing lump you now?" He threatened to "thump" Ms Williams "straight in the f***ing gob" and told her she should "go in the Army."
During the confrontation, Doughty slapped Ms Williams' hand holding the device, described her role as "doing a scum job," pointed at her face, told her to "watch it," and slapped her hand again. Ms Williams informed him that his actions constituted an assault, but Doughty responded with further abuse, telling her to "p*** off," calling her a "f***ing nuisance," and demanding she leave before returning to his car.
Warning and Intervention
In the midst of the exchange, Doughty shouted, "If you give me a ticket it will be the last ticket you'll give. That's a warning to you." Body-worn footage shown in court captured a civilian employee of Dyfed-Powys Police intervening, stating, "Don't do that. Don't put your hands on her. I saw that. Apologise. She's on her own doing her job." After the incident, Ms Williams allowed Doughty an additional 10 minutes to purchase a parking ticket from the machine.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Prosecutor Helen Tench noted that the assault had a "detrimental impact" on the traffic warden, though no physical injuries were reported. In a police interview, Doughty expressed frustration over the machine not accepting coins and claimed police were "more interested in ripping off a pensioner." Defending solicitor Robert Hanratty said Doughty, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, accepted responsibility for his behaviour.
Hanratty added, "He will be the first to admit that when he gets agitated, he does swear," and noted that the Probation Service recognised he suffers from anxiety. Probation officer Julian Davies stated Doughty became "very frustrated" when money repeatedly fell out of the machine and felt the warden was being dismissive, but he "deeply regrets his actions and didn't mean to assault the warden."
Financial Penalties Imposed
Magistrates fined Doughty £500 and ordered him to pay £200 compensation to Ms Williams. He was also directed to pay a £200 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs, bringing the total financial penalty to £985. The case highlights the tensions that can arise in everyday situations and the legal consequences of aggressive behaviour towards public officials.
