Man fined for begging

A man from Romania has been fined €58 for begging for alms in the streets.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia was told that Nicolae Dragomir, 44, who is homeless and physically disabled had been arrested for importuning passers-by in Gzira, asking them for charity.

Begging in public is a contravention under the Maltese Criminal Code.

Lawyer Benjamin Valenzia, appointed as legal aid to the accused, entered a guilty plea on behalf of the Romanian, who was subsequently fined €58.