A LLANDEILO man has admitted that he may have misled members of the public into believing he was collecting money for a military charity, when in fact he was keeping the money for himself.
Gareth Blyth, of Rhydygwydd Farm, Talliaris, pleaded guilty to three counts under regulation nine of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, admitting that his actions may have misled many members of the public.
He was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £5,000 costs in a prosecution brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The council’s licensing officers began investigating after spotting Blyth in military costume in Guildhall Square, Carmarthen, in January 2015, and then in other locations around Carmarthen and Llandeilo on several other dates during that year.
He was accompanied by a Shetland type pony, wore military medals and used a bucket to collect money from members of the public – a sign on which stated he was collecting for the Welsh Horse Yeomanry Society, and asked for people to give generously.
Suspicions were raised initially due to the quality of his military uniform, that of the Welsh Horse Yeomanry – a British Army regiment disbanded after the First World War. On investigation officers ascertained that it was not an official army uniform but a replica.
Despite being asked on several occasions, he was unable to produce a Street Collection Permit, and did not heed officers’ advice about obtaining a permit to allow him to collect money in public, even though he was told he was committing an offence.
Blyth instead claimed that he had been told by police that what he was doing was classed as busking and therefore he didn’t require a licence or permit.
After ignoring all advice, verbal cautions and written warnings, he was invited for interview under caution by Carmarthenshire County Council.
It was at this interview, accompanied by his solicitor, that he admitted keeping all the money he collected for himself and his horses.
He also stated that he collects on around 40-50 days a year, and declares all the money generated to the Inland Revenue. However, he failed to show any financial records to back up his claim.
Cllr Philip Hughes, Executive Board Member for Public Protection, said: “This is a significant prosecution for Carmarthenshire County Council which demonstrates how seriously we take our duties relating to licensing and permits.
“Gareth Blyth misled many members of the public who believed they were donating money to charity, when instead their money was being used to line his pockets.
“He was often seen attracting large crowds, particularly parents with young children, collecting large sums of money from members of the public.
“I congratulate officers for giving this matter the attention it deserved, and for building a case that has resulted in a successful prosecution.”
Information about applying for a licence to collect money on public streets can be found on www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales
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