Man who told lies given Asbo by Manchester City Council

A beggar who invented a range of hard luck stories in a bid to persuade people to give him money has been given a five-year Asbo.

Michael Conway-Williams, 31, of Polygon Road in Crumpsall, earned a reputation among police and Metrolink employees for putting pressure on passengers.

Among his lies, he said his luggage had been stolen and he needed money for him and his family to travel.

He was also aggressive towards staff, Manchester City Council said.

He has several convictions for using stories to beg from passengers on public transport.

'Harassed and conned'

The terms of the Asbo ban him from using abusive or intimidating language or behaviour against any person employed by public transport companies or their contractors.

If he uses any method of public transport or tries to beg, harass or request cash from passengers he could be in breach of his Asbo, which could result in imprisonment.

Councillor Paul Andrews said: "Passengers should be able to travel around Manchester without being harassed and conned out of their hard-earned cash.

"This man had become a menace on public transport and we want to send out a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated."