Hull Marina to give clampers the boot after Del Grosso conviction

A WHEEL-CLAMPING firm looks set to be kicked off its favourite hunting ground after one its employees was convicted off racially abusing a motorist.

Peter Del Grosso of Vehicle Management Limited is facing jail after a jury found him guilty of launching a tirade of abuse at a Turkish man who had gone to help a friend after her car was clamped.

Now, the owners of Hull Marina – another spot where motorists are targeted by Del Grosso – say they will carry out an urgent review into its link with Vehicle Management Ltd.

Darren Bramhall, operations of parent company British Waterways Marinas Limited, (BWML) said: "BWML require companies to which they are associated adhere to the highest standards for their industry.

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"BWML will seek to review any business arrangement we have with any company where they are found to be in breach of their industry standards regulations or breach of common law."

Mr Bramhall said BWML was intending to scrap wheel-clamping at Hull Marina before Del Grosso's conviction, but will now speed up its plans.

He said: "We are seeking to install access-control barriers on site along Railway Street, thus preventing the long-term need for a clamping company."

Grimsby Crown Court heard how Del Grosso abused Mohammed Tarhan after he and his partner accompanied her sister to a compound in Dock Street on Christmas Eve 2009.

Del Grosso, 48, threatened to rape Mr Tarhan's partner before demanding to see his passport.

The court heard how Del Grosso shouted "foreigner" at his victim and said: "I'm going to **** your wife."

Judge Robert Moore adjourned the case for sentence until November 17, warning Del Grosso he is likely to face a custodial sentence.

Del Grosso holds a wheel-clamping licence issued by the Security Industry Authority.

A spokeswoman for the authority confirmed a conviction of racially aggravated assault would result in it revoking the licence.

Hull North MP Diana Johnson was herself clamped by Del Grosso outside the Old Zoological pub in Princes Avenue, west Hull, in February 2009.

Ms Johnson, who paid £250 to have her car released, said she was not surprised to hear of Del Grosso's conviction.

She said: "Having seen Mr Del Grosso at work first-hand, I am appalled to hear about his criminal conduct, even if I am not surprised.

"I hope motorists have seen the last of him."