An actor best known for his role in Only Fools and Horses has revealed his arduous battle with fast-food giant McDonald’s, resulting in a staggering parking fine of nearly £3,000. Patrick Murray, famous for portraying Mickey Pearce on the beloved BBC show, shared his story with his followers on Twitter, expressing his frustration at the escalating penalty that started as a £100 fine. Murray, who is battling cancer, also disclosed that he is facing threats of personal belongings being removed without a court order. The actor’s predicament highlights the potential devastating impact of such exorbitant demands on individuals. McDonald’s has yet to respond to requests for comment, and it remains unclear which branch the incident occurred at.
The 66-year-old actor recounted the events that led to the massive parking fine. Five years ago, I received a private parking ticket for parking on a disabled spot at McDonald’s, Murray stated. I went back and saw the manager, complaining that I was asked by the server to park up there to await my food. He emphasized that the initial fine was less than £100, but he is now being bombarded with letters from a company demanding a payment of £2,800, despite the absence of a court order confirming the debt. Concerned about the financial strain it could cause, Murray expressed distress over the potential repercussions, mentioning that some individuals might be driven to suicide due to the financial burden.
The actor’s ordeal comes at an already challenging time, as he announced the return of his cancer last year. Initially diagnosed in January 2022, Murray underwent successful chemotherapy treatment. He expressed gratitude to the NHS staff and commended his surgeon for a life-saving tumor-removal operation earlier this year. Besides his role in Only Fools and Horses, Murray has featured in other notable productions such as Scum, Curse of the Pink Panther, and The Firm. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in reopening The Gardeners Arms, a well-loved pub in his residence of Higham back in 2017.
The lack of clarity about the specific McDonald’s branch involved in the incident raises questions about the company’s response. KentOnline reached out to McDonald’s for comment without receiving a response thus far.
As this story unfolds, many will closely follow Murray’s battle against McDonald’s, highlighting the potential repercussions of unchecked parking regulations. The situation brings attention to the importance of fair and reasonable practices in enforcing fines, particularly for vulnerable individuals facing health challenges.
