Prestwick pensioner scores victory over police

Jan 14 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

SHE’S the plucky pensioner who fought the law.

And charity queen Mary Devlin has won.

The poppy-seller, who was fined for parking outside her own shop, has received a refund from red-faced police chiefs.

Now she’s pledged to donate her victory cash to a good cause.

The Post told how Mary, of Prestwick, was carpeted when dropping off poppies to her shop in November.

But furious pals refused to let her pay the £30 fine – and held a whip round to stump up the money.

They’ve now been rewarded with a climbdown from cops, who booked the charity grafter.

Mary, 67, said: “I’m glad they’ve returned the money – I certainly didn’t expect to win my appeal.

“It’s a nice surprise after everything that’s happened and now I’ll give this to a cause that needs it more than me.”

Mary hit the headlines when heartless cops booked her in Prestwick Main Street as she delivered poppies and wreaths to her charity shop.

They swooped when they spotted the pensioner parked with two wheels on a pavement.

And despite her desperate pleas to move the car, they issued the fine and insisted she cough up.

But Mary launched a determined appeal, backed by friends at the town’s Burns Bar, owned by ex Ayr United player Hugh Burns.

Now the returned cash will be sent to the Armed Forces Veterans Association.

Mary said: “Everyone in the pub has been fantastic and they’ve continued fundraising since I got the fine.

“We’re now up to £100, including the cheque from the police, so that will go straight to the veterans.”

Pal Alex McKenzie said: “We were all disgusted when we heard what had happened to Mary.

“The way she was treated was out of order and it’s a great result to have the money returned.

“We decided to keep collecting so that more money could go to whatever charity she chose, so it’s fantastic news for the veterans.”