14 DAY TRIAL // Christopher Turner has been claiming to be a homeless beggar for a few years, before being officially busted and accused of fraud and begging. The alleged homeless man was living in a $1,600 (€1,200)-a-month flat just one mile away from his “work place.”
Besides the fact that he was fooling people on the street with cardboard sings, he was also living off benefits and house assistance. The 51-year-old had his special place for begging, in front of a bank in a crowded area, where he flashed all kinds of handwritten placards to draw people's attention and kindness.
With signs illustrating crucifixes and reading sympathy inducing messages like “Homeless – could you please help – I would be very grateful – thank you, God Bless,” the man earned enough money to consider the activity his 9 to 5 job, notes Daily Mail.
On a daily basis he could earn around $100 (€75) – $150(€110), added to his existent benefits, he was able to afford a decent life for him and his dog.
Some of the locals already suspected the man of pretending to be homeless, and when officials finally arrested the fraud, residents were quite relieved. Turner was arrested for begging and fraud, and admitted to his offenses in court.
An online forum talking about Turner's conviction was flooded with hilarious stories about the fake beggar. “The most hilarious incident I have seen was when he was having an argument with what appeared to be a girlfriend when he said, ‘You can stop complaining, I am the one who has to go out to work all day!’” one user wrote.
The not-so-homeless beggar was apprehended and must pay $185 (€135) in fines and costs, that will eventually be deducted from his benefits. Residents from the area tried to unmask the fraud a few years ago when he was found stashing his cardboard signs on his way home after “work,” but until now officials didn't consider it an urgent matter.