Two unlicensed traders selling football scarves and memorabilia outside a Manchester United match have been prosecuted after ignoring repeated warnings from Trafford Council.
Manchester Magistrates issued fines to the pair as well as an unlicensed taxi driver after consistent and regular monitoring on matchdays by the Council’s Licensing Enforcement team.
The scarf sellers were spotted illegally street trading during two home games against Brighton, in the Premier League and FA Cup. Leslie Waterworth, 60, of Adlington Drive, Stretford, was identified by CCTV on Sir Matt Busby Way on Saturday 25 October.
Despite been warned and advised before by Council officials, he was seen establishing an illegal pitch – offering scarves and football memorabilia for sale. He pleaded guilty and received a conditional discharge for twelve months, a £26 victim surcharge and £200 contribution to costs.
On Sunday 11 January, Karina Pearl Moore, 23, of Hirst Lane, Bollington, was found illegally street trading, offering match day scarves, also having disregarded previous warnings.
Mr Waterworth and Ms Moore both pleaded guilty to illegal trading. Each received a conditional discharge for twelve months with a £26 victim surcharge. Mr Waterworth was ordered to pay £200 towards court costs and Ms Moore was told to contribute £250.
Also dealt with by magistrates was Hackney Carriage driver Donatus Chukwugozie U Uchegblum, 59, of Whitemoss Road, Manchester. He was found looking for an illegal pick-up on Chorley Street on Saturday 4 October after United played Sunderland at home.
Mr Uchegblum was licensed to Manchester City Council and therefore not allowed to pick up in Trafford. When undercover officers approached his vehicle, he offered to take them into the city centre for £25 blaming the ‘one way system’ for the high fare.
He pleaded guilty to unlicensed ply for hire, driving without insurance and failing to wear his driver’s badge. He received a £300 fine and a victim surcharge of £120 as well as a £200 contribution to costs and six points on his DVLA licence.
Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingences, Cllr Keleigh Glenton, said
“The vast majority of traders, taxi drivers and others working on matchdays uphold proper standards and play by the rules. However, we are fully aware of illegal activity that occurs.
“We ensure that this does not go unchallenged in our efforts to keep the community safe and support legitimate local businesses. Our Licensing Enforcement Officers on patrol have strong support from our network of CCTV cameras, which are increasingly useful in providing evidence to take perpetrators to court.
“Our methods and means constantly evolve and we are already planning next season’s enforcement work alongside our partners at other agencies.”