Man fined £500 for begging in Derry's city centre
District Judge Barney McElholm said that he has been assured there is no need for anyone to beg in this city
A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court has said that he has been assured there is no need for anyone to beg in this city.
The comments by District Judge Barney McElholm came in the case if a Romanian national Agape Petru (54) of Mount Street in Derry who admitted begging in Ferryquay Street on January 11.
The court heard that the defendant had previous convictions for similar offences.
Defence solicitor Shannon Doherty said her client does not receive any benefits here and added that his wife in Romania was 'very ill' and that was why he had taken to begging.
Judge McElholm asked if his wife was so ill in Romania why was he here?
He added that he used to have some sympathy for beggars but after meetings with Derry City Council he was told there were gangs of professional beggars in the city.
He said that the council assured him there was no need for anyone to beg here.
The judge said that anyone in need could get allowances and accommodation if required.
He fined Petru £500.