A banned Big Issue vendor kept trying to sell copies of the magazine in Nottingham to help make a living as he struggled on Universal Credit. Matthew Mayer, of no fixed address, was witnessed posing as a vendor in the city centre on four occasions between June and August.
The 42-year-old had previously been forced to hand in his tabard after selling in places he was not allowed to, such as outside M&S and The Body Shop, Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard. Michaela Dunk, who was representing Mr Mayer at his sentencing on Friday, October 7, said he had carried on in an attempt to help with his low income.
"He only gets £240 a month from Universal Credit, clearly that doesn't last long," she said. "He used this as a way to make up his income."
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Ms Dunk said a member of Big Issue's outreach team had described Mr Mayer as a "likeable and well-read chap" who "could offer a lot more" if circumstances were different. "He has a long standing class A drug problem and said he wants to help with that," she said.
"He hasn't used for the last few weeks." Prosecuting, Sanjay Jerath said police had witnessed Mr Mayer posing as a vendor, but no-one had seen him sell a copy.
He added that the defendant had 24 previous convictions for 49 offences. Mitigating, Ms Dunk told magistrates Mr Mayer's life "spiralled" after the death of his mum during his first year of studying environmental sciences at university.
She said it came merely years after his dad had died whilst he was 16. Mr Mayer had previously pleaded guilty to fraud offences in Bridlesmith Gate on June 24, 30 and July 7, and in Albert Street on August 8.
He had also admitted to failing to comply with a section 35 exclusion from Old Market Square on June 25 and possessing heroin and crack cocaine on the same day. Mr Mayer was given a 12 month community order, of which he will spend six months in drug rehabilitation.
Sentencing, magistrate Mr Peter Dexter said he was "conscious of your limited means" as he gave Mr Mayer a slightly reduced £50 fine and £114 surcharge.
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