A waiter was fined more than £700 after being caught illegally using his daughter's blue badge.

Raj Kumar, from Ilford, pleaded guilty to gaining free parking in Hill Rise, Richmond, at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court on November 4.

He was reported to Richmond Council's internal audit and investigation team after being seen carrying a 20kg bag of onions over his shoulder.

An investigation revealed the blue badge was issued to his daughter by Redbridge Council.

He was given a £235 fine, ordered to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £24.

Deputy leader of Richmond Council Councillor Geoffrey Samuel said: "Fraudulent use of a blue badge is simply that - fraud.

"We will investigate every case brought to our notice. We are determined that the cheats should be punished for their fraud."