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Prolific beggar: ‘I earn more from street than working in a real job’

Craig Atkinson tells court he gets more money begging than working

A PROLIFIC beggar has incredibly told a court his income would DROP if he took
a regular job.

Craig Atkinson, 36, pleaded guilty to begging and said the cash went on his
two teenage children.

He revealed to Nottingham Magistrates’ Court that he earns more money begging
than he would from going to work.

Nottingham Magistrates' Court

Alamy
1

Atkinson 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.”


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

When magistrates also ordered £85 prosecution costs he replied: “Please send
me to prison. I have no intention of paying it.”

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