Beggars who misled passers-by must pay fines
Two beggars who misled and lied to passers-by in Sandwell to con them into handing over their hard-earned cash have been ordered to pay fines.
Persistent beggar Robert Robinson, 42, of Hagley Road in Smethwick, would make up a story his car had broken down and that he needed cash to get back to Manchester.
Meanwhile, Zoe Nixon-Harvey, aged 36, of Bearwood Road, had a sign saying she was hungry and homeless – even though she lived in a flat in Bearwood Road, Smethwick.
Both were found begging in Bearwood Road.
Both failed to attend their separate hearings at Sandwell Magistrates Court yesterday but were found guilty in their absence and each told to pay £96 in fines and costs.
Magistrates found both defendants guilty of one count of begging in a public place. They were each fined £36 and told to pay £40 costs plus a £20 victim surcharge.
