A man has been fined €50 for selling lottery tickets for a charity without being authorised to do so.
Edward Ward (31 ) with an address at The Halting Site, Tuam, appeared at Galway District Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to holding an unauthorised collection, contrary to Section 3 of the Street and House to House Collections Act 1962, at Williamsgate Street, on November 5, 2009.
Inspector Ernie White told the court that at 2.30pm the defendant was seen standing in the street selling lottery tickets, which he claimed to be for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Society. The gardai observed men putting money on the table but the defendant gave no ticket in return. He also had no permit to sell the lottery tickets. Ward had €112 on his person when arrested and the money was later returned to the society. The court heard that Ward has seven previous convictions for public order and road traffic offences.
Ward’s solicitor said that his client did have a permit to sell the tickets. He added that some people give money and simply don’t want a ticket in return. The court heard that the defendant had worked for the society in the past.
The solicitor then asked Judge Fahy to consider ordering Ward to donate a sum to charity instead of imposing a conviction as this will affect his chances of getting a job back with the society. However, Judge Fahy convicted Ward and fined him €50 with three months to pay.
