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Betting addict begged for cash on street
A SELF-CONFESSED gambling addict begged for money on the streets of Bridlington so he could try his luck at the bookmakers.
But instead of winning a fortune, all Patrick Winston Carroll earned for himself was an appearance at the town's magistrates court.
Carroll, 43, of Tennyson Avenue, pleaded guilty to a charge of begging in a public place at the hearing last Wednesday.
Jayne Wilson, prosecuting, told the court Carroll had been repeatedly begging for cash in the town centre during September and October.
The magistrates were told of six separate incidents, which took place on September 2, September 26, September 29, September 30, October 11 and October 13.
Operating in the Quay Road area, he approached members of the public and asked them for small amounts of money, often 50p.
On more than one occasion he urged the would-be source to "Be a good Christian", the bench heard.
Mrs Wilson said police arrested Carroll on October 13, after spotting him begging earlier in the day and warning him about his conduct.
He admitted the offence when interviewed by officers.
Mitigating, Carroll told the court he had a gambling problem and would use any money he received to go to a betting shop and 'see if he could win anything'.
He said efforts were being made to help him attend Gamblers' Anonymous meetings.
And he assured the bench: "I'm very sorry. It won't happen again."
Carroll was given a 12 month conditional discharge and told to pay 43 prosecution costs.
Presiding magistrate Sheila MacNab told him: "We don't want to see you here again."
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Weather for Bridlington
Thursday 24 May 2012
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