Light sentences for systematic fraudsters

Most benefit frauds are isolated crimes by an individual. These two saw benefit fraud as an attractive strategy, as part of systematic fraud which involved mortgage frauds as well.

Kevin McCarthy, from Luton, was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and Martina Carroll to 9 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years and 150 hours unpaid work in the community.

Luton Council’s investigations team discovered the couple had committed a series of benefit and mortgage frauds spanning nearly 16 years and involving over £200,000 in dishonestly appropriated mortgage advances and benefit payments.

Mr McCarthy claimed housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support when living in Boxted Close in Luton, claiming he was privately renting the property from a landlord who lived in southern Ireland. However, he was in fact the owner of the property, which he bought under a false identity. He also failed to tell the authorities he was working as an accountant, carrying out stock audits and accountancy work for pubs and hotels in the hospitality industry.

Mr McCarthy fraudulently claimed £62,477 in benefits from the Council and the DWP and £50,661 through several mortgage frauds.

Ms Carroll fraudulently claimed £17,656 in benefits from the Council and the DWP, and £100,000 through a mortgage fraud.

The two defendants played different roles, which saw Mr McCarthy planning and organising a set of frauds over several years using a false identity and false documents. Ms Carroll willingly participated in these actions but to a lesser degree.