‘What a waste of money!’ Day in court for riding on the pavement

A theatre worker who illegally cycled in a park was prosecuted in court because he wanted to appeal his £60 fine.

James Turner-Inman, 37, was given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £60 for cycling at excessive speed on a pedestrian only footpath on 4 June this year.

The production manager wrote to the police asking to appeal the fine and received a court summons in response.

He apologised to the court for wasting its time, saying there was little chance of reoffending as his bike had now been stolen, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Luke Staton, prosecuting, said: ‘Police noticed the defendant cycling at excessive speed in Hyde Park from Speakers’ Corner towards the Ranger’s Lodge.

‘Police stopped him and explained to him that cycling is prohibited on the footway.

‘He said he didn’t know Hyde Park and didn’t see the and was in a rush.

‘Police informed him that the matter would be dealt with by way of a fine.

‘The reason it arose to court is that later he notified the police that he would appeal that decision.

‘The defendant was subsequently charged with an offence.

‘He has no previous convictions.’

The prosecutor confirmed to the court that the case had been reviewed and they wished to prosecute Turner-Inman.

Turner-Inman, representing himself, said: ‘I have never been through anything process like this before.

‘The reason I didn’t pay the fine was because I thought it was excessive, maybe a caution would have been more appropriate.

‘On a footnote I have now had my bicycle stolen, so there’s no chance of me reoffending.

‘I understand the notice, I didn’t realise the appeal process would be here.

‘I have never been through anything like this in my life.’

At the back of court a solicitor muttered: ‘What a waste of public money’.

Turner-Inman, of Belmont Avenue, Haringay, admitted using a foot-propelled device in a Royal Park on a footway where cycling is prohibited.

He was given a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £22 victim surcharge.

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