ADVERTISEMENT

Man reveals he earns more begging than receiving salary

Craig Atkinson says that he earns money to look after his children, not for any personal gain

___4569849___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4569849___2016___1___18___9___A-homeless-man-holds-a-cup

A beggar, Craig Atkinson has told a Magistrate Court that his income would drop if he took "a  regular job". Craig, 36, pleaded

ADVERTISEMENT

guilty to begging and said the cash went on his two children.

He said: “If I got a proper regular job, I would get less money than I am doing this.

“People give me money. There are no victims. Other people sustain a £200 drug habit but mine goes to my two teenage children.”

ADVERTISEMENT

He told Nottingham Magistrates Court on Tuesday that he is homeless but went on: “I have got a few roofs. The problem in my life is I will not be in one place.”

He was given a six-month conditional discharge with a £15 government surcharge.

He said: “I can pay that for you now.” But when magistrates also ordered £85 prosecution costs he replied: “Please send me to prison. I have no intention of paying it.”

Margaret Martin, prosecuting, said: “He said he makes more with this than with a job.”

The court heard that begging was a major problem in Nottingham and a police operation was set up to combat it.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT