Herbrand Walk clamper is jailed

Michael Mattocks, of Langley Green in Crawley, was involved in an incident on May 31 last year, when he drove alongside a stretch of beach with a man clinging to the bonnet of his car.

The 43-year-old pleaded not guilty at Hove Crown Court to the charges of dangerous driving and grievous bodily harm '“ he was acquitted of the latter.

He was also banned from driving for a year.

Michael Mattocks worked for UK Parking Management, the company given the job by beach owner Steve Hall of keeping vehicles off the private beach at Herbrand Walk.

Notices were put up which some vehicle owners failed to see and as a result feelings ran high when they were clamped and told to pay up to 200 to get their vehicles released.

Mr Hall is hoping that his proposals for the beach which will be considered at the next Rother District Council planning meeting will specifically address the existing problems of parking along Herbrand Walk.