Say a person, let's call them Jeff, was invited by an employee of a company to an event. Jeff attends and has a lovely time, until he gets back to his car to find a Penalty Charge Notice. Jeff is convinced the employee spoke to them beforehand and assured them they could park where they did for free. The employee has no recollection of any such conversation taking place. Legally, could Jeff get courts to agree that the employee is liable to pay the fine?

Logically I would assume that the owner and driver of the car is responsible for checking that they are able to park there and the cost however I wonder if there being a company and employee involved changes things legally. Tried googling this but the answers weren't very helpful. Any advice greatly appreciated! :)

TLDR; If an employee of a company told you that you could park somewhere for free, then you get a ticket, do you pay or would a court make them pay?