A 28-year-old man who racially abused and punched a Barnet traffic warden, after he was issued with a parking ticket, received a 42-day suspended sentence and 100-hours community service.

Ali Hamzeh, 28, of Kellett House, Colville Estate, Islington, is the fourth person to be prosecuted for attacks against Barnet's parking attendants.

The incident flared up after Hamzeh came out of a shop on High Road, East Finchley, on May 14, to find the attendant putting a ticket on his car.

He launched into a violent attack, striking the warden in the face, as well as racially abusing him.

Parking attendants have increasingly become the target of abuse, with 116 racial, physical and verbal cases recorded in the past two years alone.

Councillor Matthew Offord, cabinet member for the environment and transport, said: "Physical attacks on any members of our staff are unacceptable these people are simply trying to do their jobs the best they can.

"We will always push for the strongest punishments to be handed out to anyone who attacks our members of staff."

Hamzeh denied the assault charges, but was found guilty by Brent magistrates. He was also ordered to pay £100 costs and £200 compensation to the attendant.