A Bristol man has been fined £55 by magistrates for begging for a cigarette in the city centre.

Dean Telfer was arrested by police in Gloucester Road, Bishopston, under the Vagrancy Act for asking a member of the public for a cigarette.

Telfer, 29, pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates' Court Wednesday. By committing this offence, he also breached a previous conditional discharge, details of which were not disclosed in court.

The court heard how Telfer was spotted begging by police at about 7.10pm, and was seen to receive a cigarette from a member of the public.

He was arrested, and at the police station he tested positive for cocaine.

Telfer, of Dove Street, Kingsdown, told the court: "I have been using drugs, but haven't used for the last week. I'm on income support."

Magistrates ordered Telfer to pay a fine of £20, a £15 victim surcharge, and £20 towards costs.