A man has been made to pay hundreds of pounds for illegally selling scarves near Old Trafford on Manchester United matchdays.
Andrew Lowe, of Peel Hall Road, Wythenshawe, was found selling Manchester United scarves to supporters twice this year despite not having a licence to trade.
According to Trafford Council, the 52-year-old had been previously warned by the council’s Enforcement Team that he could not trade without a licence before he was caught selling scarves in March.
Ahead of Manchester United’s 4-1 home win over Real Sociedad on March 13, Lowe was spotted selling scarves around Old Trafford Metrolink stop.
During a hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 31, the court heard that when approached, Lowe tried to bundle the scarves back into his holdall, before making his way from the area.
Lowe was back again on May 11 for United’s 0-2 defeat to West Ham, when he was spotted selling scarves for £15.
When questioned by a Trafford Council officer, he made threats and argued.
Lowe was found guilty in court of two offences of illegally street trading and was subsequently fined £200 with a victim surcharge of £40 and court costs of £100, bringing his total costs to £340.
Cllr Rose Thompson, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Safety, said: “This is another great result from our Licensing Enforcement Team. Mr Lowe was warned but took no notice. When questioned, he was abusive to our officer.
“We work hard to protect legitimate traders who follow the rules and we do not tolerate this sort of behaviour.”
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