A FORMER rough sleeper who has turned his life around is urging people not to give money to those begging on the streets. Dean Paul, who would make £300 in a weekend through begging, says the money can be simply be used to support drug habits Dean, aged 41, said: “Don’t give beggars money. People who give money think they’re helping but they’re not – they are supporting drug habits and feeding a dealer’s pocket.” He added: When I was begging, the money wasn’t for food – it was just for drugs. “I was a prolific beggar and had the gift of the gab. I was making anything from £75 to £150 a day and making £300 a weekend in Bolton town centre.”