JOHN Bailey needed 10p so he could phone his girlfriend to try to patch things up.

But his efforts to get the money from Sunday afternoon shoppers ended with him being arrested for begging.

Bailey, 33, of Whalley Banks, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to begging and obstructing the highway in King William Street. He was fined £50 by Blackburn magistrates on each charge and ordered to pay £45 costs.

Pat Bramley, prosecuting, said officers in King William Street saw Bailey standing in front of people asking for money. He was then seen walking up to a couple with his hand outstretched. Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Bailey had argued with his girlfriend on Friday and he had spent the rest of the weekend trying to get in touch with her.

"He decided to try and phone her but he did not have any money," said Mr Blacklidge. "He asked a few people for 10p so he could call her."

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