A “SHAMELESS” fraudster pretended to be his dead father so he could continue to use a disabled blue badge.

Kenneth Hinton sent a string of letters and emails claiming his father was still alive in Eastbourne.

He even forged the dead man’s signature in an attempt to mislead authorities.

But his web of lies was revealed when the blue badge was found in a car belonging to his wife Pamela at the Arndale Centre.

The 56-year-old was invited to an interview by East Sussex County Council.

“If you want an interview, you will have to get the police to nick me,” he told them.

At Lewes Crown Court, Judge Mark van der Zwart said Hinton was “selfish” and ordered him to complete 200 hours of community service.

County councillor Carl Maynard said the blue badge was seized in July last year when his wife’s car was parked illegally on a double yellow line in an area where parking and loading is banned at all times.

Hinton sent emails to the council trying to get the badge returned, claiming his father – now dead for two years – had been ‘disadvantaged’ without it.

Cllr Maynard said: “Anyone who is or knows someone who is a genuine disabled driver will be appalled by this case.

“Hinton brazenly and shamelessly went to extraordinary lengths to try and continue to benefit from a blue badge he had no right to use.

“This is not a victimless crime and every time someone uses a badge illegally they’re depriving a parking space to someone who genuinely needs one.

“This conviction should send out a clear message that this kind of fraudulent activity will not be tolerated.”

Hinton, of Golden Gate Mews, Eastbourne, admitted three charges of fraud by false representation, one count of forgery, and one count of malicious communication.

Judge van der Zwart said the email Hinton sent to council workers was “very unpleasant indeed”.

He said: “The blue badge scheme is vital for people with mobility problems and anyone who takes advantage of the scheme is taking advantage of them.

“Such selfish and anti-social behaviour should make you thoroughly ashamed of yourself.

“You took from the community in many senses when you committed these offences and you need to pay that back.

“People who are doing their job on behalf of the local authority or the community need to know they will have the support of the court and that such matters will not be overlooked.”