Window cleaner washed out by judge for ‘pedo’ slur

A window cleaner has appeared in court for calling a traffic warden a paedophile when he was given a parking ticket.

John Joseph (55) of Princes Street, Southport, pleaded guilty to two charges of using abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or dis- tress when he appeared at Sefton Magistrates Court on March 13, when he also admitted driving without a licence or insurance on West Street.

Andrew Page, prosecuting, said a civil enforcement officer employed by the local council was conducting his duties in West Street in Southport and attached a parking ticket to Joseph’s vehicle. Joseph took issue saying that he is a window cleaner and can park anywhere.

Defending solicitor Rory McCormack emphasised that Joseph had shown ‘genuine remorse’ for the language he had used.

“He fully accepted that this sort of language will have caused the complainant considerable dis- tress,” said Mr McCormack.

The magistrates adjourned the case until April 2 for probation reports.