{I don't know why I bother starting each retort with a courteous salutation & thanks. No one else seems to bother on here. Must be in my nature}
OK, you wrote ...
"... as regards the CEO a valid Blue Badge was not displayed. If it had been, then the 4-hour limit had been exceeded"
Nope
Even if the clock was set wrongly, and even if we accept the notion such an error 'invalidates' the BB ... the 4 hour limit had NOT been exceeded
Also, you pasted the following ...
Evidence of contravention
7.—(1) A penalty charge may only be imposed in respect of a parking contravention on the basis of—
(a)a record produced by an approved device, or
(b)information given by a civil enforcement officer as to conduct observed by that officer
In this case, the information that was 'given' by the civil enforcement officer was contradicted by an appeals officer
You said:
CEO was entitled to consider that the driver was trying to pinch an extra hour by setting the clock at a time later than when they parked
The appeals officer said:
"... In this case the clock card indicated that the vehicle was parked at 13:30 or 01:30 which indicates that the vehicle was parked for longer than 4 hours at 12:21 when the PCN was issued"
The CEO & the appeals officer are contradicting each other, & simply can't have it both ways
Anyway, I am [still] seeking solid constructive ADVICE please
{deep breath} Thanks for your ongoing attention, I appreciate it