It is generally very difficult to find a park near Ted Scobie Oval during the Sikh Games. Photo: Denny Fachin/Facebook.
A Leeton resident who was fined $302 for allegedly blocking access to a driveway with his Tuscon Highlander station wagon pled not guilty to the offence in Griffith Local Court on Wednesday (22 January).
Manjinder Singh, 35, was issued the fine at 1:12 pm on Saturday 8 June 2024 for allegedly stopping across a driveway on Doolan Crescent.
This was during the annual Griffith Sikh Games, which were held at the nearby Ted Scobie Oval. An estimated 20,000 visitors come to town to attend this event during this weekend and parking spots are generally hard to find.
Court documents show he wrote to Revenue NSW, a State Government body that administers fines, to oppose the penalty.
“I approached Griffith Council and asked for offence images and they don’t have images,” he wrote.
He also stated he paid a parking fee and requested a review of the fine.
Revenue NSW rejected his plea in a letter sent to Mr Singh on 3 September 2024.
“Whilst we note you paid for the parking at this location, the issuing officer indicates [your] vehicle was parked across the driveway and was blocking access,” the letter stated.
“You must not stop across the driveway … the restriction may not be signposted as they form part of the general road rules.
“We acknowledge your comments indicating you would like further evidence of the claim, however, we do not have access to photographs which may have been taken. Photographs and video footage is not required to prove the offence occurred.
“We are satisfied that fine was correctly issued.”
Manjinder Singh represented himself in court against Griffith City Council.
“You wish to plead not guilty to this matter and are seeking a hearing date,” Magistrate Pauline Wright said.
She set 2 October 2025 as the date.
“It’s too late,” Mr Singh said.
“Sorry, it’s the first available date I have,” Magistrate Wright responded.
Mr Singh then agreed.
“Come back on that date and be ready to proceed,” Magistrate Wright told him.
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