Gwersyllt couple fined for abusive behaviour over parking

Simon Davies and Sarah Hughes, of Hope Street, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Both defendants admitted that on March 15 this year, they used threatening or abusive words or behaviour towards a man named Mark Rowley.

Prosecutor Siriol Jones told the court that at around 6.20pm on the day of the offence, the complainant parked up at Hope Street in Gwersyllt and waited to pick up one of his children from a nearby Chinese takeaway.

A black Audi vehicle, driven by 42-year-old Davies, stopped next to the complainant's vehicle - at which point Davies told him: "F****** move - you're in my way."

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Mr Rowley apologised, but 44-year-old Hughes, who was a passenger in the other vehicle, tried to climb over her co-defendant in the driver's seat to hurl abuse.

Davies got out and came "nose-to-nose" with the complainant, telling him he should move, whilst Hughes continuously shouted "f*** off".

The complainant felt threatened by the pair's behaviour, which continued as they slapped and pushed the windows of his vehicle.

Stephen Edwards, defending, told the court: "Thankfully there have been no problems since.

"The important thing is to understand the geography - this Chinese restaurant is very busy and popular in Gwersyllt.

"It's off a busy roundabout, leading to Hope Street which is where the home of the defendants is.

"Hope Street is a cul-de-sac and there have been problems with people parking there to get food from the takeaway across the road.

"There's no way to stop outside the Chinese, so people are in the habit of parking in the cul-de-sac."

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Mr Edwards said on the day of the offence, there were "other cars parked in the cul-de-sac and little room to pass by."

He continued: "They say there was insufficient room to get past [the complainant] and then there's a standoff.

"It spiralled out of control but there was no physical confrontation.

"I think [Hughes and Davies] realise that on another occasion they may have dealt with it in another way.

"They are decent people and they are both very apologetic."

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendants: "You both agree there was some frustration and lack of tolerance.

"This is a matter which should have been dealt with in a different way.

"Frustration got the better of you and you should both not have reacted in that way."

Davies received a £500 fine and must pay a £200 victim surcharge, as well as £85 costs.

Hughes was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs, as well as an £80 victim surcharge.