A MAN who begged for money in Christchurch in order to feed himself has now been convicted of having a lock knife.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Graeme Smith, who is of no fixed abode, admitted four counts of begging in a public place at Poole Magistrates' Court in July.

He denied a further charge of being in possession of a lock knife.

However, he has now been convicted of the final count after a trial.

Magistrates heard this summer that Smith, 28, was involved in "persistent begging" on four occasions outside Greggs and Marks and Spencer in the High Street.

It was heard there had been issues with the defendant's benefits, which were delayed. He decided not to visit a foodbank because he was "in conflict" with others using the service.

The total length of time Smith begged for was around an hour and a half.

Magistrates heard the defendant was not aggressive, and has no alcohol or drug abuse issues.

He was fined £50 for each offence - a total of £200. He was then ordered to pay a further £30 victim surcharge. The money will be taken from his benefits.

After his new conviction for having a lock knife, he was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months and pay £200 costs. The knife will also be destroyed.