A MAN who assaulted a Thurrock Council civil enforcement officer when he was given a parking fine has been given an 18 month community order after appearing before Basildon Magistrates Court.

Ryan Anthony Lee, 32, of Plymouth, Chafford Hundred, was ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service work, attend 19 Thinking Skills sessions and address his criminal behaviour through a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement after being found guilty of racially and religiously aggravated assault and harassment.

Leader of Thurrock Council and cabinet member for public protection and anti-social behaviour, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "No one who works for Thurrock Council should face abuse for doing their job.

"The reason we have civil enforcement officers is to keep our roads moving, help to make it safer outside schools and make sure that disabled parking bays are not misused. They play a vital role in Thurrock.

"I welcome the 18 month community order this man has been given. It shows that we and the courts will not tolerate abusive, threatening and racist behaviour and will always prosecute those that subject our officers to abuse as they go about their jobs to the full extent of the law.

"The fact that in this case the perpetrator subjected our officer to physical threats and vile racist abuse makes his behaviour all the more reprehensible. Neither the council nor the courts will allow this kind of abuse to slide.

"It was good to see that this incident did not stop the officer from continuing his duties helping to keep Thurrock streets moving that day."