Actually they are not. It is my understanding that police can not just scrap the ticket once entered. It is up to a JP to do it.
Second - they are right in that they would not be doing their job if they did not give the ticket.
Yes - I know it is silly, and common sense would say to have let him go. However, the law is law and they are following it to the letter.
I agree it is stupid, and pointless and waste of time/money, resources etc, but totally by the book. Get an exemption. Clearly he is entitled to one. So just do what you are suppose to do and it will not be a further issue.
Some would/could go as far as saying that this man should have no wasted the time of the cops, now a judge, etc by just getting this exemption in the first place.