A rogue trader caught by Trafford Council’s licensing enforcement officers pleaded guilty to illegally trading during Manchester United home games last season.
James Hardy, 55, of Wilbraham Road, Fallowfield, was fined at Manchester Magistrates Court for setting up his stall without a street trading licence on matchdays against Burnley, Manchester City and Fulham last season.
On 30 August last year, Mr Hardy was spotted close to Hotel Football having established an illegal pitch without a street trading licence. He claimed the hotel had given him permission – but officers warned him he faced prosecution if he did not pack up and leave.
Despite the warning, Mr Hardy returned to the same location and was subsequently caught unlawfully trading on 17 January and 1 February this year.
Mr Hardy was fined £800, with a victim surcharge of £320 and told to pay the Council’s costs of £774, a total of £1,894.
Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, said:
"The Council’s licensing enforcement officers are exceptionally consistent in addressing illegal behaviours on match days, protecting legitimate traders and the public. In the coming season we will continue to build upon this important work.”