Vincent Storey, from Sunderland, worked at a funeral directors and topped-up his earnings by fraudulently claiming £327 in incapacity benefits every month.
He had legitimately claimed benefits when he initially stopped working, but then got a job as a driver and pall bearer at a funeral directors while continuing to claim state handouts.
The judge sentenced him to 16 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours' unpaid work and repay the money he had fraudulently claimed. Storey told the court he would be able to make the payments, but would have to remortgage his home to stump up some of the cash.
DWP bosses today said they hoped the sentence served as a warning to other benefit cheats who consider stealing from society, adding that all cash falsely claimed will always have to be paid back in full.
- Not good enough. These people do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
People convicted of benefit fraud should have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
Theresa May, please note. Taxpayers lose around £3.5bn a year to benefit fraud.
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