Swearing and shouting at a parking attendant will end in court and cost time and money, Epsom and Ewell Council has said this week.

The warning comes after a 23-year-old plumber was ordered to do 90 hours of community work and pay £150 compensation and £150 in costs after verbally abusing a warden.

Oliver Hewett was found guilty of a public order offence at Redhill Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday, June 3.

Magistrates heard that, on January 19, a council’s officer approached Mr Hewett, who was a passenger in a vehicle which was parked illegally in a permit-only car park at the front of the Town Hall in Epsom.

Mr Hewett verbally abused the officer, causing him distress and concern, the court heard.

Jean Smith, chairman for the council’s environment Committee, said: “The council is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour and we are very pleased with the outcome of this case.

“We will continue to fully support any member of staff who finds themselves in this type of situation.

“Staff have the right to go about their daily duties without being harassed or abused.

“We hope this sends out a clear warning that action will be taken against anyone who threatens or is abusive towards any member of our staff.”

Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant Gary Pickett added: “Surrey Police works closely with the council to tackle antisocial behaviour.

“As we’ve shown in this case, we will fully investigate any reports of abuse against their staff and seek to bring the perpetrators to court.”