Beggar tells court he earns more from street than working a real job

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

Craig Atkinson, 36, was
arrested and pleaded guilty to begging but said
the cash went on his two children.
The beggar told a court his income would drop if
he took "a regular job."

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."
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."