A man who operated a burger van outside Manchester United games at Old Trafford has been made to pay thousands for trading without a valid licence.
William Ravenscroft pitched up outside The Trafford pub on Warwick Road to serve hot food ahead of matches even though his licence had expired.
He was caught in his ‘Burger & Fries’ van by Trafford Council’s Licensing Enforcement Team multiple times and repeatedly received warnings, which he did not ahere to.
For Ravenscroft's first two offences last year he was given a conditional discharge at Manchester Magistrates' Court.
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However, the 48-year-old was back again in April and May this year for Manchester United fixtures against Manchester City, Wolves, Athletic Club, West Ham and Aston Villa.
At Manchester Magistrates' Court on Friday (November 28), Ravenscroft, of Lever Edge Lane, Bolton, was found guilty of illegal trading.
He was ordered to pay a fine of £660, a victim surcharge of £264 and £180 in court costs, bringing the total costs to £1,104.
However, Ravenscroft was also resentenced for his conditional discharge, meaning his costs were doubled and he was made to pay £2,208.
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Cllr Rose Thompson, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Safety said: “Our Licensing Enforcement Team is working hard to protect the livelihoods of legitimate traders who do things properly and follow the rules.
“We also want match goers to be confident that they are buying food or souvenirs from people who meet the required standards.
"While we do warn traders falling short of requirements, and try to advise them, we do not hesitate to take people to court when we need to.”
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