Light sentence for benefit thief councillor

Charles Leach, a member of St Asaph Town Council, was overpaid £4,268 in council tax benefit between August 2005 and November 2007.

When Denbighshire Council staff investigated his claim they found discrepancies, and his bank statements revealed that he had been receiving interest of up to £1,700 a quarter on investments.

Leach, who had repaid the full amount, was fined a total of £475 and ordered to pay costs totalling £265.

• People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work.
  
  Benefit thieves should also have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.

htp Dave