Man, 77, slapped traffic warden and threatened to ‘lump’ her

Incident at Welshpool car park

A 77-year-old man, Stephen Doughty, was recorded on body-worn camera threatening to “lump” a female traffic warden after a pay-and-display machine rejected his coins, according to court testimony. The altercation occurred at the Seven Stars car park in Welshpool, Powys, where Doughty, a retired HGV driver, became agitated during a routine parking check.

Court review of the confrontation

The court examined footage showing Doughty yelling that it would be the final ticket the warden issued. He claimed he was attempting to pay for a £2.50 parking stay but grew frustrated when the machine refused his coins. As the warden used her handheld device to verify no ticket had been purchased, Doughty slapped her hand, called her work “a scum job,” and pointed at her face before striking her again.

“Do you want me to lump you now?” he said, adding, “I’ll thump you straight in the gob.”

Doughty also verbally abused the warden, accusing her of doubting his claim that he was waiting for his partner. After the incident in November, Williams gave him an extra 10 minutes to buy a ticket, but the confrontation escalated when a police officer intervened, urging Doughty to apologize.

Defense arguments and prior record

Doughty admitted to assault by beating, stating his actions were a reaction to frustration. His defense cited anxiety, with solicitor Robert Hanratty noting the Probation Service acknowledged his condition. “He deeply regrets the incident and didn’t mean to harm her,” said Hanratty, emphasizing that the warden “puts up with a lot of stick.”

Probation officer Julian Davies explained that Doughty became “very frustrated” when coins kept falling out of the machine and felt the warden was dismissive. Despite this, the court heard Doughty has two prior convictions for battery and threatening behavior.

Verdict and penalties

Magistrates sentenced Doughty to a £500 fine, £200 compensation to Williams, and a £200 victim surcharge, along with £85 in court costs, totaling £985. Prosecutor Helen Tench highlighted the “detrimental impact” of the assault, though no physical injuries were reported.