Posted on 07/29/2002 4:46:15 AM PDT by 2Trievers
Authorities in Rome say they can't stop a disabled man from taking thousands of pounds a week in coins tourists throw into a fountain.
Roberto Cercelletta is fined the equivalent of £325 a day for wading into the Trevi fountain and picking up the coins.
Police told The Daily Telegraph they can't force him to pay because he has a disability certificate.
It's thought he makes £100,000 a year from taking the cash superstitious tourists throw in to ensure their return to Rome.
The Supreme Court has also ruled the money thrown into the fountain belongs to no-one.
A police spokesman told the paper: "Officially he is unemployed. His case has been assigned to a social worker and he has a disability certificate. He is untouchable."
Police say the only way they could stop him is to catch him damaging the fountain, but he never does. He's described as a huge man with a bellowing voice who always carries a knife and works with two assistants.
Legend says if a visitor to Rome throws a coin in the fountain his return is guaranteed.
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