Benefits pair ‘panned’ for lucky coins

TWO men were caught “panning” for coins thrown into a river for good luck.

Jonathan Egan, 36, and Declan O’neill, 39, were seen using a spade and colander at Swallow Falls in Snowdonia in May.

Llandudno magistrates heard both were on benefits and told police they did not think it was wrong.

Solicitor Roger Thomas, for O’neil, said: “This isn’t panning for gold in the Klondike.” But John Wylde, prosecuting, said Betws y Coed Community Council gives the coins to charity.

O’neill, of Abergele, and Egan, of Llandudno Junction, admitted attempted theft and were conditionally discharged for a year.