Former Man Utd star convicted of using dead person's blue badge which he "bought from someone in Old Trafford"

A former Manchester United star has been convicted of fraud after being caught using a dead person’s blue badge to park.

Manchester City Council enforcement officers spotted Ravel Morrison’s white Audi S3 parked in Bridgewater Street in the city on May 22 this year - displaying a Blue Badge. When checked, it was discovered that its holder had died in February 2022. 

The vehicle was issued with a penalty charge notice and impounded with Morrison reclaiming it later that day. Interviewed under caution, he said he had bought the badge from “someone in Old Trafford” for £50.

Morrison, 30, of Westbrook, Warrington, was subsequently charged with one count of fraud and on Thursday, November 30, he pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court. The Jamaica international was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £508.32 and a victim surcharge of £400.

A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: "This ruling shows that the law is applicable to everyone, with no exceptions. I am grateful for the diligent work of our investigating officers as well as legal counsel who were able to successfully prosecute this case. Our officers patrol the streets daily to ensure that Blue Badges are used legitimately, and we will not hesitate to take action if we discover people trying to circumvent the law.”

Once seen as one of United’s most promising talents, Morrison’s career was derailed by disciplinary issues. He went on to play for West Ham, Lazio and Derby County among others. The Wythenshawe-born star played for Wayne Rooney at Derby with the United legend also taking him to American side DC United. He was however left out of their squad for the 2023 Major League Soccer season.