A WINCHESTER man has been cleared of begging in the city centre.

Adam Pieri, 42, whose address was given as c/o Trinity Winchester, Durngate, denied the allegation that he was begging in St Lawrence's Passage, just off the High Street, on February 25.

That would have put him in breach of criminal behaviour order imposed on January 12 this year.

Magistrates dismissed the case when the prosecution offered no evidence.

They ordered that Mr Pieri's costs, to be assessed, be paid out of central funds.