A retired managing director who wrote a cheque on toilet paper in protest at an "over-zealous" parking fine was today spared a £15 penalty.

Richard Roper, 63, of Long Melford, Suffolk, was sent to sit at the back of a magistrate's court for a morning session as an alternative punishment.

Roper staged his "peaceful protest" after receiving a £30 ticket for illegally parking his car across two spaces in Sudbury, Suffolk.

He was issued a court summons when Suffolk police refused to accept his "cheque", saying it would cost £15 to cash.

"This is not a case of not wishing or refusing to pay but a case of the authorities refusing to accept my payment," Roper said, giving evidence. "What I did here, your honour, was done in good humour."

In a letter he read to the court, he added: "My payment … has been written on stationery which aptly reflects my feelings towards the system which I am unfortunately forced to support through my taxes."

District judge David Cooper suggested that a way of resolving the matter would be to ask Roper to sit at the back of court until his list of cases was complete. "I can't say it would be very enlightening to you," the judge said. "If you do that, it's a way of clearing it all off.

"As soon as I have finished court, you can be released. Do you mind doing that?"

Roper was assured it would not lead to a criminal record and said: "Your honour, thank you very much indeed."