Leighton Buzzard woman convicted for Blue Badge misuse
Thursday, 13 November 2025
A Leighton Buzzard woman has been convicted at Luton Magistrates’ Court for misusing a Blue Badge belonging to her deceased relative.
Ms Leoni Miceli, of St Andrews Close, was found parked in a disabled bay at West Street Multi-Storey Car Park on 1 May 2025. The offence was identified during a targeted enforcement day carried out by Central Bedfordshire Council.
At the time, Ms Miceli told officers she was collecting the badge holder, who was picking up a prescription. However, it was later confirmed that the badge holder had died eight months earlier.
In a written statement, Ms Miceli later claimed it was an emergency and that her mother was having a seizure in town. This was investigated and proven to be false, as her mother was identified as a passenger in the vehicle during the offence.
On 11 November 2025, Ms Miceli was convicted under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. She was ordered to pay fines and penalties totaling £1,296.
Councillor John Baker, Executive Member for Finance and Highways at Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
Misusing a Blue Badge, especially one belonging to a deceased person, is unacceptable. This conviction sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated. We will continue to investigate and prosecute any abuse of the scheme.
If you suspect someone is illegally using a Blue Badge, report it by calling 0300 300 4154 or emailing benefit.investigations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.