A man who pretended to live in Watford so he could apply for a parking permit has been fined.

Haseeb Mian told Watford Borough Council he lived in Whippendell Road, when in fact he had moved out of the property some years ago.

Now based in Houghton Regis, Luton, he also used a false car rental agreement as well as an insurance document showing he lived in Watford.

There was already a parking permit allocated to that address so investigators made checks with the landlord.

Mr Mian received a financial penalty of £195 per offence (£390), plus costs of £350. He pleaded guilty to two charges of fraud at St Albans Magistrates Court.

In order for a resident to obtain a resident parking permit from the council, the applicant must live at the property and has to complete an application and provide proof of residency and proof of vehicle ownership.

If you suspect that a motorist is fraudulently using a permit, please report this to the Fraud team by emailing fraud@watford.gov.uk 01923 278890.