COUNCIL bosses refused to withdraw a £30 bus-lane fine handed to a former assistant principal on his way to view the body of his teenage great-nephew.

Des Williams, 72, strayed into the Ermin Street bus lane as he drove to Pearce’s Funeral Directors in May to see 19-year-old Caleb Guppy, who died of complications linked to his Type 1 diabetes.

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The Wantage man wrote to Swindon Borough Council to explain the reason why he had driven into the bus lane by mistake: “In the circumstances my mind was very much elsewhere.” He even suggested the council speak to the funeral directors to corroborate the story.

Des said the council had sent another letter, saying as he had not sent a copy of Caleb’s death certificate they were unable to waive the fine.

He called the council three times, eventually getting through to a staff member who parroted the contents of the letter. But Des claims he was never told to send a copy of the death certificate.

In the end, Des paid the fine. He said of the council: “I think it shows little compassion.”

Swindon Borough Council said they understood Des’ frustration. But a spokesman added: “When we became aware of Mr Williams’ situation we wrote to him to offer our condolences and request that he sent in a copy of his great-nephew’s death certificate, but we received no reply.

"We then sent a further letter for which we also received no response.”

Des paid tribute to his great-nephew: “I will remember him as a charming young man."