Big Brother Watch is back after our brief recess, and we thought we'd return with two classic examples of big brother state nonsense.
The first story, concerns Kate Balsdon and her partner's efforts to spruce up their garden fence. As explained by the Aldershot News and Mail:
Kay Balsdon’s partner Chris Bates painted the fence that backs onto their garden in Thirsk Lane, Aldershot, on June 28.
A neighbour who said the fence belonged to her then complained to the police and a few days later North Town beat officer PC Steve McCoy turned up at their home to give Mr Bates, 29, an on-the-spot £80 fine. This was because some of the green paint used had splashed onto the other side that was painted brown.
The couple were warned that not paying the fine could mean they would have to go to court, so they stumped up the cash.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Sunday Telegraph reported yesterday that Hampshire Police have since rescinded the fine.
Continuing the theme of the authorities realising their error too long after the original crime, today a cabbie in Kettering who was - for some unknown reason - fined for smoking in the street, was issued with an unreserved apology by Corby council.
According to the Local Government Ombudsman's annual review of the council: "This was not an offence and the notice was significantly flawed, giving no details of the complainant's statutory right to request a court heard.
"The council accepted that no offence had been committed and cancelled the notice."
They paid Kevin Donelan £50 for mucking him around.
Punitive fines and overbearing officers, typical British summertime.
By Dylan Sharpe
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