A PERSISTENT Metrolink fare dodger, who has been caught 71 times by inspectors, has begun a 45-day jail sentence.

Barry Costello (26), of Grange Grove, Whitefield, who also owes £2,500 in outstanding fines, was sentenced when he appeared before Bury Magistrates on Wednesday.

Metrolink said that Costello has been evading paying fares since 1998 and has been prosecuted 32 times.

He had been arrested by Greater Manchester Police's Metrolink unit before his appearance at court.