Funeral director Stacey Bunce, of Michael G Ryan Son and Daughters, described the altercation as “very upsetting” for both herself and the family.
The funeral had a smooth start, with the cortege parking outside Stow Hill church in it’s designated spot.
When the funeral procession left the church 45-minutes later, they were shocked to find a blue Skoda had parked behind the hearse which meant it was impossible to get the coffin back in.
Stacey explained: “We were in a bit of disbelief if I’m honest.
“We left that gap to make sure there was enough room to put the coffin back in the hearse.
“We had to move the hearse quickly before the family came out, it was quite upsetting because we had to move the hearse in the middle of the road so the bearers could lift the coffin in and then we were holding up cars and buses.”
“It was very upsetting to us and the family because it’s our job to make sure things run smoothly with the family in mind.”
Although acknowledging the driver of the Skoda may have had a moment of thoughtlessness, Stacey continued: “It’s upsetting that people can be so disrespectful to a funeral procession, knowing what’s going on inside the church.
“It was obviously someone who went there to do their shopping but less than 50 yards away from the church is a car park where you can pay to park.
“It made the situation difficult for us and the family.
“It’s a difficult job to be a pallbearer, it’s the last journey to carry your loved one and they had to go into the middle of the road.”