An investigation by the Manchester Evening News has helped bring a bogus charity collector to justice.

A story revealing the paper's findings was read out in open court and, after also hearing evidence from a council volunteer who went undercover to catch the man on audio tape, magistrates have fined him £400 - the most they could impose.

The con man was also ordered to pay £200 costs after he was found guilty of collecting money without a licence.

His deceit came to light after the Manchester paper found he and his gang were conning shoppers out of thousands of pounds.

They claimed proceeds from a £3 leaflet of poems they were selling were going to buy children's wheelchairs, but the Manchester Evening News showed there was no evidence that this was true.

Following the investigation the newspaper published warning posters which were put up in several shops, and it was praised by charity bosses and council chiefs.

But the MEN has warned that although the gang is no longer operating in Manchester, it has found evidence that it is now operating in Sheffield.

Its findings have been passed on to the city's licensing officials.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk