Today, the DWP will sign a historic arrangement with five other countries to enhance cooperation on tackling benefit fraud. The DWP claims that this costs the UK taxpayer £800 million a year - whereas it's at least £2bn.
Recognising the benefits of mutual co-operation, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand have come together to sign the 'Windsor Arrangement' which aims to achieve stronger prevention, earlier detection and effective deterrence of benefit fraud.
DWP Permanent Secretary Leigh Lewis said today:
"The six countries that have signed this agreement today are all committed to fighting benefit fraud. This arrangement will ensure each country works together more systematically and, in turn, increase our individual and collective protection against those who seek to defraud our benefit systems. This historic agreement is just another sign of the cooperation enjoyed between our countries."
The six signatories have agreed to work together to share intelligence and risk profiling, to share strategies and best practice for combating fraud, to determine scope for carrying out investigations and enforcement for each other and to enhance understanding of the nature and extent of identity fraud.
Bizarrely, the agreement is to be signed in English and French.
30 Apr 2009
Pensioner's calculated benefit fraud
A chaperone for child stars of the Harry Potter films has been jailed for six months after admitting a £51,462 benefit fraud.
Deidre Irwin worked on three of the blockbusters – including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – as well as being a television and film extra and an exam invigilator in Epsom for Surrey County Council.
But the pensioner had told authorities she was unable to work, raking in undue incapacity and housing benefits over eight years.
Andrew Davies, prosecuting, told the court Irwin claimed the benefits in her married name but worked under her maiden name, Kelly, and used a fake national insurance number.
Police raided her then home in Hawthorne Place, Epsom, in September 2006, Mr Davies added, and found documentation addressed to various names and relating to various jobs. She was then arrested.
“[Irwin] told police officers at her interview she was worried she would not get much work and would lose out financially if she told the authorities she was working,” he added.
“The prosecution accepts she [Irwin] had health problems, but it is clear that they did not in fact prevent her from working.”
Sentencing Irwin, Recorder Stephen Hofmeyr said: “The offences are properly treated by the courts as matters of great seriousness. I bear in mind, however, that your crime is not violence or sexual in nature.
“You are clearly sorry for what you have done and made full and frank admissions to the police and pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity.”
He added: “In my opinion, however, your offence is so serious that neither a fine nor a community penalty can be justified.”
Irwin, who sat sobbing in the dock, was given two concurrent six-month sentences for obtaining property by deception and falsely claiming benefits.
As she was taken down into the cells, she told the judge: “I am really sorry for what I did.”
She is currently paying back the authorities at a rate of £16.78 per week, a repayment period of 59 years! She faces a separate confiscation hearing - but not until September 11.
htp Dave
Deidre Irwin worked on three of the blockbusters – including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – as well as being a television and film extra and an exam invigilator in Epsom for Surrey County Council.
But the pensioner had told authorities she was unable to work, raking in undue incapacity and housing benefits over eight years.
Andrew Davies, prosecuting, told the court Irwin claimed the benefits in her married name but worked under her maiden name, Kelly, and used a fake national insurance number.
Police raided her then home in Hawthorne Place, Epsom, in September 2006, Mr Davies added, and found documentation addressed to various names and relating to various jobs. She was then arrested.
“[Irwin] told police officers at her interview she was worried she would not get much work and would lose out financially if she told the authorities she was working,” he added.
“The prosecution accepts she [Irwin] had health problems, but it is clear that they did not in fact prevent her from working.”
Sentencing Irwin, Recorder Stephen Hofmeyr said: “The offences are properly treated by the courts as matters of great seriousness. I bear in mind, however, that your crime is not violence or sexual in nature.
“You are clearly sorry for what you have done and made full and frank admissions to the police and pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity.”
He added: “In my opinion, however, your offence is so serious that neither a fine nor a community penalty can be justified.”
Irwin, who sat sobbing in the dock, was given two concurrent six-month sentences for obtaining property by deception and falsely claiming benefits.
As she was taken down into the cells, she told the judge: “I am really sorry for what I did.”
She is currently paying back the authorities at a rate of £16.78 per week, a repayment period of 59 years! She faces a separate confiscation hearing - but not until September 11.
htp Dave
Benefits frauds in Littlehampton
THE biggest benefit cheat in Arun's history is facing prison for falsely claiming £93,591 over the past decade. Sentencing is due at Crown Court.
Susan Ellis used fake rent books and tenancy agreements to disguise the fact that the owner of the property where she lives was her partner and the father of her children, and gave false information on claims forms.
Another Littlehampton woman is also due to be sentenced, after falsely claiming more than £26,000 in housing benefits. Karen Johnson was charged with submitting a false claim form in which she failed to declare that the landlord of her property is related to at least one of her children.
htp Dave
Susan Ellis used fake rent books and tenancy agreements to disguise the fact that the owner of the property where she lives was her partner and the father of her children, and gave false information on claims forms.
Another Littlehampton woman is also due to be sentenced, after falsely claiming more than £26,000 in housing benefits. Karen Johnson was charged with submitting a false claim form in which she failed to declare that the landlord of her property is related to at least one of her children.
htp Dave
29 Apr 2009
Healer leached off taxpayers
A healer from Glastonbury dishonestly claimed £24,481 in housing and council tax benefits between April 2005 and November 2008. His legitimate benefit claims had begun as long as ten years ago - there is no indication that he was unfit to earn, it seems to have been a lifestyle choice.
Kestrel Oakwood failed to inform Mendip District Council of a £60,000 inheritance he received when his mother died, and failed to disclose new bank accounts he set up with that money. He wanted to keep it for his "retirement".
He has offered to repay the money but nothing has been received yet. The sentencing hearing is due on 20 May.
Kestrel Oakwood failed to inform Mendip District Council of a £60,000 inheritance he received when his mother died, and failed to disclose new bank accounts he set up with that money. He wanted to keep it for his "retirement".
He has offered to repay the money but nothing has been received yet. The sentencing hearing is due on 20 May.
28 Apr 2009
Contrasting benefit fraud sentences
A student who fraudulently claimed £5,000 in benefits has been ordered to do over 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £100 costs.
Janet Bannerman from Carshalton claimed she had no income but in fact had over £13,000 in student loans and grants. She was caught when Sutton Council officers matched data to show she was fraudulently claiming income support and housing benefit.
Over in St Albans Jeannette Cavanagh has been given a two year suspended sentence after falsely claiming housing benefit, council tax benefit, income support and carers allowance worth nearly £21,000.
As well as the suspended sentence, she was ordered to undertake just 150 hours of unpaid work and placed under a supervision order for 24 months. Costs of £250 were awarded to the district council and £115 to the DWP.
She began claiming housing and council tax benefits and income support when her job with a cleaning company ended. But at a taped interview with investigators from the DWP and the council in October 2007, she admitted she had been working for Friends Provident on a self-employed basis since 2000. She conceded that had she declared the income to the DWP and the council, her benefit payments would have been affected.
Janet Bannerman from Carshalton claimed she had no income but in fact had over £13,000 in student loans and grants. She was caught when Sutton Council officers matched data to show she was fraudulently claiming income support and housing benefit.
Over in St Albans Jeannette Cavanagh has been given a two year suspended sentence after falsely claiming housing benefit, council tax benefit, income support and carers allowance worth nearly £21,000.
As well as the suspended sentence, she was ordered to undertake just 150 hours of unpaid work and placed under a supervision order for 24 months. Costs of £250 were awarded to the district council and £115 to the DWP.
She began claiming housing and council tax benefits and income support when her job with a cleaning company ended. But at a taped interview with investigators from the DWP and the council in October 2007, she admitted she had been working for Friends Provident on a self-employed basis since 2000. She conceded that had she declared the income to the DWP and the council, her benefit payments would have been affected.
- She admitted the offence back in 2007. It has taken 18 months to come to court!
Do we get any of this money back?
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.
Benefit fraudster commits more fraud
A local government worker who falsified computer records to give her and her partner’s family more time to pay council tax bills has been given a 12-week jail term.
But magistrates decided to suspend the sentence for six months after hearing how Kerry Devlin, 30, committed the offences in a bid to avoid a personal financial crisis.
She started working for Carlisle City Council in March 2006, despite having a previous conviction for benefit fraud.
She was eventually was posted within the council’s Revenues Department, city magistrates heard.
Her duties included using the authority’s computer to deal with council tax payments, prosecutor Adrienne Harris told the court.
At an earlier court hearing Devlin, now living in Truro, Cornwall, pleaded guilty to four counts of false accounting and one of fraud by false representation. She asked for seven similar offences to be taken into consideration.
Outlining the case, Miss Harris described how Devlin used her password-protected computer to alter records and generate bogus letters so she, her partner, and her partner’s parents could have more time to pay council tax bills.
Officials began an investigation after Devlin, formerly of Maple Grove, Stanwix, arranged for a false letter to be sent out which cancelled a council payment from her partner’s account.
She used her position to manipulate council tax payments and then covered her tracks so that colleagues would not notice what she had done, said Miss Harris.
When confronted Devlin confirmed that she had not declared her previous conviction for benefit fraud in 2004 when she took the job, but said her solicitor then had told her not to worry about it.
“She said she was genuinely not aware that she would have to declare her conviction,” said Miss Harris.
She said nobody else was involved in the deception and she knew that what she was doing was wrong.
Miss Harris added: “She claimed she was in financial difficulty and the reason she did what she did was to give herself more time to sort out her arrears.”
Craig Mackenzie, for Devlin, said his client had not committed the offence to make substantial financial gain for herself.
“It was a desperate attempt to keep the wolves from the door,” he said.
“She was buying herself time.”
He said Devlin, who wept as she was being sentenced, felt genuine remorse.
Magistrates imposed a 12-week jail term, suspended for six months, with a requirement that she should carry out 100 hours unpaid work and pay £43 court costs.
htp Dave
But magistrates decided to suspend the sentence for six months after hearing how Kerry Devlin, 30, committed the offences in a bid to avoid a personal financial crisis.
She started working for Carlisle City Council in March 2006, despite having a previous conviction for benefit fraud.
She was eventually was posted within the council’s Revenues Department, city magistrates heard.
Her duties included using the authority’s computer to deal with council tax payments, prosecutor Adrienne Harris told the court.
At an earlier court hearing Devlin, now living in Truro, Cornwall, pleaded guilty to four counts of false accounting and one of fraud by false representation. She asked for seven similar offences to be taken into consideration.
Outlining the case, Miss Harris described how Devlin used her password-protected computer to alter records and generate bogus letters so she, her partner, and her partner’s parents could have more time to pay council tax bills.
Officials began an investigation after Devlin, formerly of Maple Grove, Stanwix, arranged for a false letter to be sent out which cancelled a council payment from her partner’s account.
She used her position to manipulate council tax payments and then covered her tracks so that colleagues would not notice what she had done, said Miss Harris.
When confronted Devlin confirmed that she had not declared her previous conviction for benefit fraud in 2004 when she took the job, but said her solicitor then had told her not to worry about it.
“She said she was genuinely not aware that she would have to declare her conviction,” said Miss Harris.
She said nobody else was involved in the deception and she knew that what she was doing was wrong.
Miss Harris added: “She claimed she was in financial difficulty and the reason she did what she did was to give herself more time to sort out her arrears.”
Craig Mackenzie, for Devlin, said his client had not committed the offence to make substantial financial gain for herself.
“It was a desperate attempt to keep the wolves from the door,” he said.
“She was buying herself time.”
He said Devlin, who wept as she was being sentenced, felt genuine remorse.
Magistrates imposed a 12-week jail term, suspended for six months, with a requirement that she should carry out 100 hours unpaid work and pay £43 court costs.
htp Dave
Another light sentence
Here's the fourth light sentence report in one day (see below).
A fraudster who claimed he couldn't get a job because of a hand condition pocketed thousands of pounds in benefits – while working as a welder.
Brian Lawrence from Havant netted more than £26,000 between April 2004 and August 2006. But at the same time he had jobs as a welder, sheet metal worker and night shift packer.
The fraud came to light when computer records showed Lawrence was claiming incapacity benefit while also being paid a wage.
He was spared an immediate sentence , but given a suspended sentence and ordered to complete 120 hours unpaid work for the community.
Lawrence was having around £30 deducted from the benefits he now legitimately receives to pay back the cash he claimed fraudulently.
A fraudster who claimed he couldn't get a job because of a hand condition pocketed thousands of pounds in benefits – while working as a welder.
Brian Lawrence from Havant netted more than £26,000 between April 2004 and August 2006. But at the same time he had jobs as a welder, sheet metal worker and night shift packer.
The fraud came to light when computer records showed Lawrence was claiming incapacity benefit while also being paid a wage.
He was spared an immediate sentence , but given a suspended sentence and ordered to complete 120 hours unpaid work for the community.
Lawrence was having around £30 deducted from the benefits he now legitimately receives to pay back the cash he claimed fraudulently.
- So our money's gone.
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.
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.
htp Dave
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
Pathetic sentence for deliberate benefit fraud
Benefit cheats Huseyin and Askin Cavusular from Tooting fraudulently claimed £16,158 between September 2007 and September 2008 to pay the rent on their home in Edencourt Road, telling the authorities they had no savings to make them eligible for financial help - despite having £40,000 savings in a joint bank account..
Their scam was uncovered when investigators carried out routine checks on the couple’s financial circumstances and discovered their hefty bank balance.
Before appearing in court, the couple paid all the money back. Magistrates sentenced them to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered them to pay £458 costs.
htp Dave
Their scam was uncovered when investigators carried out routine checks on the couple’s financial circumstances and discovered their hefty bank balance.
Before appearing in court, the couple paid all the money back. Magistrates sentenced them to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered them to pay £458 costs.
- This sentence is meaningless. If they had been dealt with by way of an administrative penalty they would have had to pay a penalty surcharge of 30%.
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
Pregnant benefit cheat avoids prison
Tara Smith, from Ascot, has been sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended for 18 months, for benefit fraud.
The judge said imprisonment was an appropriate punishment but imposed the suspension because Ms Smith is pregnant. Ms Smith will also be subject to a six-month curfew between 10.30pm and 6.30am.
The benefit overpayments, totalling £11,457, were received between January 2005 and July 2008. The case was referred to the benefit fraud team by an anonymous informer who said Ms Smith had failed to declare an income from her husband while continuing to claim housing and council tax benefit based on a low income.
As well as the suspended custodial sentence, Ms Smith will have to repay the money under a repayment plan arranged with the borough.
The judge said imprisonment was an appropriate punishment but imposed the suspension because Ms Smith is pregnant. Ms Smith will also be subject to a six-month curfew between 10.30pm and 6.30am.
The benefit overpayments, totalling £11,457, were received between January 2005 and July 2008. The case was referred to the benefit fraud team by an anonymous informer who said Ms Smith had failed to declare an income from her husband while continuing to claim housing and council tax benefit based on a low income.
As well as the suspended custodial sentence, Ms Smith will have to repay the money under a repayment plan arranged with the borough.
- So that's another way the state rewards pregnancy. Get pregnant, get out of jail free. Plenty of time to arrange that between the first interview and the sentencing hearing.
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.
27 Apr 2009
Lottery winners committed benefit fraud
After scooping a £72,000 National Lottery prize, Brian and Wendy Rushin hid their windfall from the authorities and illegally claimed housing benefit and council tax credits.
They stashed the money in different bank accounts and did not touch it, except for buying a new refrigerator.
On Friday, the Rushins pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates' Court to fraudulently receiving £5,358 from Oadby and Wigston Borough Council between May 2005 and November 2008 - so commendable speed. The money has been repaid.
Mrs Rushin also admitted dishonestly producing a document to the council by failing to declare savings when filling in a claims form.
The offences were discovered when the council computer-checked benefit claims and found money belonging to the couple in undisclosed bank and savings accounts.
Judge Stobart fined 74-year-old Mr Rushin £2,000 for each of his offences, and ordered him to pay £850 costs and a £15 surcharge to help victims of crime.
Mrs Rushin was fined the same for her fraud offences, and £3,000 for the dishonest document – which stated she had no other savings or income when she filled in a benefit form.
They stashed the money in different bank accounts and did not touch it, except for buying a new refrigerator.
On Friday, the Rushins pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates' Court to fraudulently receiving £5,358 from Oadby and Wigston Borough Council between May 2005 and November 2008 - so commendable speed. The money has been repaid.
Mrs Rushin also admitted dishonestly producing a document to the council by failing to declare savings when filling in a claims form.
The offences were discovered when the council computer-checked benefit claims and found money belonging to the couple in undisclosed bank and savings accounts.
Judge Stobart fined 74-year-old Mr Rushin £2,000 for each of his offences, and ordered him to pay £850 costs and a £15 surcharge to help victims of crime.
Mrs Rushin was fined the same for her fraud offences, and £3,000 for the dishonest document – which stated she had no other savings or income when she filled in a benefit form.
Redditch benefit cheat punished
A REDDITCH woman has been sentenced to 120 hours community service for benefit fraud.
Farida Zaheer dishonestly claimed council tax benefit of £121 and dishonestly allowed her husband, Mohammed Zaheer, to claim jobseekers’ allowance of £2,795.
An investigation began when Redditch Council found out, during a review of Mrs Zaheer’s council tax benefit claim in November 2007, that the couple had failed to declare to either the council or the DWP that she had been working as a housekeeping assistant since 2005, or that Mr Zaheer had started work for a local employment agency in July 2007.
Mrs Zaheer was sentenced to 120 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £50 towards the prosecution costs. The overpayment of benefit will have to be repaid.
So why did it take so long to come to court?
Farida Zaheer dishonestly claimed council tax benefit of £121 and dishonestly allowed her husband, Mohammed Zaheer, to claim jobseekers’ allowance of £2,795.
An investigation began when Redditch Council found out, during a review of Mrs Zaheer’s council tax benefit claim in November 2007, that the couple had failed to declare to either the council or the DWP that she had been working as a housekeeping assistant since 2005, or that Mr Zaheer had started work for a local employment agency in July 2007.
Mrs Zaheer was sentenced to 120 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £50 towards the prosecution costs. The overpayment of benefit will have to be repaid.
So why did it take so long to come to court?
Fraud at Barking and Dagenham council
An internal audit at Barking and Dagenham council exposed one council worker as a benefit thief who had falsely claimed £30,000.
More findings here.
More findings here.
MP seeks belated deportation of convicted benefit fraudster
Julian Brazier has written to the Immigration Minister to seek assurances that Ms Shingaradzo Mudyiwa, a convicted fraudster, will be deported back to Zimbabwe.
Ms Mudyiwa applied for Indefinite Leave to Remain on October 24th 2006. To date the decision on her case is still outstanding. I would like to make the strongest possible objection to this application.
I first raised the case of Ms Mudyiwa in the form of a Parliamentary Question on March 16th 2006. At that point, I simply asked whether Ms Mudyiwa would be deported following her release from prison. Ms Mudyiwa was convicted in 2004 for income support and housing benefit fraud of £130,000 over a 13 year period. In a separate case she was also convicted of attempting to defraud the Post Office of £12,000.
Since then her son has been given two ASBOs in 2007 and she has squatted in a property, refusing to pay rent while trying to claim money to set up a refuge for newly released prisoners. This cost the landlord more than £10,000. She was eventually evicted by court order.
It is very sad that, although deportations are now possible to Zimbabwe, this convicted criminal is still living in Kent and is still causing trouble. Given the incidents listed, will you be applying to the courts for Ms Shingaradzo to be deported back to Zimbabwe at the earliest possible opportunity?
25 Apr 2009
Jail for £40k benefit fraud
A Bradford mother of nine has been jailed for 12 months for dishonestly claiming over £40,500 in benefits by hiding the fact she had married.
Christine Wood concealed her wedding in August 1998 from the DWP to carry out the six-year fraud. She continued to claim income support under her maiden name, Windle, even though she shared a home with her husband and his wage was paid into her account.
Her claim for income support in 1990 was genuine. She was a single parent relying on child benefit. In August 1998, she married David Wood at Bradford Register Office and then lied to officials, claiming he was her lodger.
In 2004, she got a job and claimed Tax Credits instead but in July 2005, she made a new claim for income support that was fraudulent from the outset. It was again in the name Windle and Mr Wood was not mentioned at all, as husband or lodger.
She admitted cheating the DWP back in 2006 ... but it has taken all this time to come to court.
Christine Wood concealed her wedding in August 1998 from the DWP to carry out the six-year fraud. She continued to claim income support under her maiden name, Windle, even though she shared a home with her husband and his wage was paid into her account.
Her claim for income support in 1990 was genuine. She was a single parent relying on child benefit. In August 1998, she married David Wood at Bradford Register Office and then lied to officials, claiming he was her lodger.
In 2004, she got a job and claimed Tax Credits instead but in July 2005, she made a new claim for income support that was fraudulent from the outset. It was again in the name Windle and Mr Wood was not mentioned at all, as husband or lodger.
She admitted cheating the DWP back in 2006 ... but it has taken all this time to come to court.
24 Apr 2009
Bingo cleaners admit benefit fiddles
Gambler Sylvia Pitt was paid £9,334 in income support while employed, through an agency, at the Crown Bingo in South Shields.
She was collared when the authorities launched a surveillance operation at the hall. Pitt, who admitted benefit fraud, is now paying the money back - directly out of her benefits.
Kevin Smallcombe, defending, said Pitt had a difficult background and has a problem with slot machines. Judge Guy Whitburn sentenced her to a community order for 12 months, with supervision. He told her: "What you did effectively was gamble with the State's money, which is not your prerogative".
Kay Wears claimed to be too ill to work, while earning £37 per week at the Tyne Dock bingo hall. She was paid £6,332 in income support and incapacity benefit and, like Pitt, was caught out by a surveillance operation.
She admitted making false statements in order to obtain benefit between August 2005 and March 2008.
The court heard that Wears, who was employed through a cleaning contract company, is now paying the money back at a rate of just over £9 per week. It will take her more than a decade to pay back.
Mr Smallcombe, defending, said Wears suffered with genuine health problems and had never been in trouble before.
She was also sentenced to a community order for 12 months, with supervision.
She was collared when the authorities launched a surveillance operation at the hall. Pitt, who admitted benefit fraud, is now paying the money back - directly out of her benefits.
Kevin Smallcombe, defending, said Pitt had a difficult background and has a problem with slot machines. Judge Guy Whitburn sentenced her to a community order for 12 months, with supervision. He told her: "What you did effectively was gamble with the State's money, which is not your prerogative".
Kay Wears claimed to be too ill to work, while earning £37 per week at the Tyne Dock bingo hall. She was paid £6,332 in income support and incapacity benefit and, like Pitt, was caught out by a surveillance operation.
She admitted making false statements in order to obtain benefit between August 2005 and March 2008.
The court heard that Wears, who was employed through a cleaning contract company, is now paying the money back at a rate of just over £9 per week. It will take her more than a decade to pay back.
Mr Smallcombe, defending, said Wears suffered with genuine health problems and had never been in trouble before.
She was also sentenced to a community order for 12 months, with supervision.
Unpaid work for £10k benefit cheat
A benefit cheat who claimed he could not work following a motorbike accident took on three different jobs, a court was told.
Robert Hussey, from Eastbourne, received more than £10,000 in incapacity benefit and housing benefit he was not entitled to between 2005 and 2007.
He is paying back the money at about £120 a month. Even without interest that would take him seven years. He has no previous convictions.
The court was told he started claiming incapacity benefit in 1994 following a serious motorbike accident but failed to declare when he started working again.
Judge Paul Tain ordered Hussey to do 180 hours' unpaid work and pay £250 costs.
Robert Hussey, from Eastbourne, received more than £10,000 in incapacity benefit and housing benefit he was not entitled to between 2005 and 2007.
He is paying back the money at about £120 a month. Even without interest that would take him seven years. He has no previous convictions.
The court was told he started claiming incapacity benefit in 1994 following a serious motorbike accident but failed to declare when he started working again.
Judge Paul Tain ordered Hussey to do 180 hours' unpaid work and pay £250 costs.
Incredible govt figures on expat benefit fraud
A BBC report highlights expat benefit fraud - the government suggests benefit fraud by people living abroad costs UK taxpayers £63 million a year - and is extending a hotline scheme to report this "abroad fraud".
Bear in mind that - according to the government - that would be £63m out of £800m, or nearly 8% of the total. How likely is that?!
The BBC report comes from Benalmadena, near Malaga in Spain, investigating claims that some British expats are claiming UK benefits to which they are not entitled.
One man near Marbella said he had lived in Spain for years and had found it easy to fund his lifestyle with illegal handouts. He explained how he got help after answering an advert in a newspaper that offered to help people fill in claim forms.
"The clue of getting benefits was to fill in the forms properly, to know what to put down. And he had a business where he filled the forms in for you. He got you not only your benefits but back pay as well."
Expats are allowed to claim some UK benefits like pensions and heating allowance. But in Benalmadena some business owners and residents say many people make false claims too. The majority of the people said they knew of someone who cheated the system.
Steven Philips runs a sports bar. He said: "I know people who own houses - council houses - and rent them out."
In another bar down the road Gary Marsh says: "There's people I know who claim disability allowance who certainly go into the local offices in wheelchairs, who you see down here dancing in the winter months."
The weak pound has affected most expats in the area and those struggling to exist on a devalued UK pension are angry.
Officials do not know how expats are making illegal claims or where they all live, but they believe the majority are in Spain. At the Euro Weekly News they have lost count of the letters they receive complaining about benefit cheats.
P.S. Tony McNulty, the minister for employment and welfare reform (alias fraud minister), said:"We are absolutely determined to stop benefit thieves stealing from the British taxpayer. Our commitment extends beyond the borders of the UK. Even in sunny Spain, we're closing in on benefit fraud."
Bear in mind that - according to the government - that would be £63m out of £800m, or nearly 8% of the total. How likely is that?!
The BBC report comes from Benalmadena, near Malaga in Spain, investigating claims that some British expats are claiming UK benefits to which they are not entitled.
One man near Marbella said he had lived in Spain for years and had found it easy to fund his lifestyle with illegal handouts. He explained how he got help after answering an advert in a newspaper that offered to help people fill in claim forms.
"The clue of getting benefits was to fill in the forms properly, to know what to put down. And he had a business where he filled the forms in for you. He got you not only your benefits but back pay as well."
Expats are allowed to claim some UK benefits like pensions and heating allowance. But in Benalmadena some business owners and residents say many people make false claims too. The majority of the people said they knew of someone who cheated the system.
Steven Philips runs a sports bar. He said: "I know people who own houses - council houses - and rent them out."
In another bar down the road Gary Marsh says: "There's people I know who claim disability allowance who certainly go into the local offices in wheelchairs, who you see down here dancing in the winter months."
The weak pound has affected most expats in the area and those struggling to exist on a devalued UK pension are angry.
Officials do not know how expats are making illegal claims or where they all live, but they believe the majority are in Spain. At the Euro Weekly News they have lost count of the letters they receive complaining about benefit cheats.
P.S. Tony McNulty, the minister for employment and welfare reform (alias fraud minister), said:"We are absolutely determined to stop benefit thieves stealing from the British taxpayer. Our commitment extends beyond the borders of the UK. Even in sunny Spain, we're closing in on benefit fraud."
23 Apr 2009
Slow prosecution & light sentence in £33k benefit fraud
Patrick Kennedy, 63, from Poole, who appeared in court on crutches, was handed a four-month suspended prison sentence after claiming a total of almost £33,000 in incapacity benefit, housing benefit, disability living allowance and council tax benefit between 2004 and 2008.
He began legitimately claiming the four different types of benefit in January 2004 after being diagnosed with chronic arthritis, a heart condition and suffering a stroke. But his health improved and he was able to hold down two jobs cleaning toilets, which earned him a total of around £860 a month in addition to the benefits.
Kennedy gave a “full and frank interview” to investigators on January 21 last year, said the prosecutor - so what took the DWP so long? He has repaid around £1,054 of the cash so far, the court heard.
Defending, Ben Sharman said that Kennedy, who cannot read or write, had spent the benefit money on day to day living rather than on a luxurious lifestyle.
“This man slipped into rather than set out in a premeditated manner to commit fraud. He got himself into something of a muddle. He is never going to offend again. He will be paying it back out of his small income for the rest of his days,” said Mr Sharman.
Mr Kennedy was also ordered to observe a curfew, participate in an education programme and be subjected to a six-month supervision order.
But we read that "he continued claiming benefits even after he was interviewed by investigators from the DWP". Why was he allowed to? And why did it take so long for the case to come to court?
He began legitimately claiming the four different types of benefit in January 2004 after being diagnosed with chronic arthritis, a heart condition and suffering a stroke. But his health improved and he was able to hold down two jobs cleaning toilets, which earned him a total of around £860 a month in addition to the benefits.
Kennedy gave a “full and frank interview” to investigators on January 21 last year, said the prosecutor - so what took the DWP so long? He has repaid around £1,054 of the cash so far, the court heard.
Defending, Ben Sharman said that Kennedy, who cannot read or write, had spent the benefit money on day to day living rather than on a luxurious lifestyle.
“This man slipped into rather than set out in a premeditated manner to commit fraud. He got himself into something of a muddle. He is never going to offend again. He will be paying it back out of his small income for the rest of his days,” said Mr Sharman.
Mr Kennedy was also ordered to observe a curfew, participate in an education programme and be subjected to a six-month supervision order.
But we read that "he continued claiming benefits even after he was interviewed by investigators from the DWP". Why was he allowed to? And why did it take so long for the case to come to court?
£18k benefit thief escapes jail
Paul Hill, from Chichester, had £100,000 in savings yet claimed £15,973 of housing benefit and £2,496 of council tax benefit between January 2005 and August 2007.
The savings were in premium bonds, which Chichester District Council's Benefit Fraud team discovered.
He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, which was suspended for 12 months, and 250 hours of community work, which must be completed in the next 12 months.
Mr Hill has also paid back the entire £18,469 he claimed through the benefits system.
The savings were in premium bonds, which Chichester District Council's Benefit Fraud team discovered.
He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, which was suspended for 12 months, and 250 hours of community work, which must be completed in the next 12 months.
Mr Hill has also paid back the entire £18,469 he claimed through the benefits system.
- 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.
22 Apr 2009
Light sentence for £77k benefit fraud
A benefits claimant who failed to notify the authorities that he had taken a job as a police officer has been jailed for eight months.
Leicester City Council said Aquil Egbewo was involved in making false claims totalling more than £77,000 between 2001 and 2007 after becoming a police officer with Leicestershire Constabulary while applying for benefits.
A hearing at Leicester Crown Court was told Egbewo and his partner had failed to declare his new job to either Leicester City Council or the DWP while making claims for unemployment benefits, council tax and housing benefits, and incapacity benefit.
Egbewo pleaded guilty to his part in the fraud, which was uncovered in a data matching exercise, but his partner failed to answer bail and is now believed to be in Pakistan.
Leicester City Council said Aquil Egbewo was involved in making false claims totalling more than £77,000 between 2001 and 2007 after becoming a police officer with Leicestershire Constabulary while applying for benefits.
A hearing at Leicester Crown Court was told Egbewo and his partner had failed to declare his new job to either Leicester City Council or the DWP while making claims for unemployment benefits, council tax and housing benefits, and incapacity benefit.
Egbewo pleaded guilty to his part in the fraud, which was uncovered in a data matching exercise, but his partner failed to answer bail and is now believed to be in Pakistan.
- No word here of repayment. But how could such a fraud continue for six years? The police don't pay officers in cash. How could he have got away with this for so long?
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.
£53k benefit thief jailed
Joanne Dunning, from Middlesborough, initially claimed benefits honestly - income support for her and her two children as a lone parent from 1999, then housing and council tax benefit from 2000.
Although she said she was single, investigations later revealed she was living with her working partner Paul Roche between January 2002 and June 2007, a court heard. She was paid a total of £53,772 - £41,685 income support, £10,404 housing benefit and £1,681 council tax benefit.
She denied to police that they were living together as a couple, though she said he would babysit the children and would sometimes stay at her house, Teesside Crown Court was told. But she eventually admitted failing to notify the authorities of a change in circumstances.
Judge Michael Taylor said it had taken an “unconscionable” amount of time to come to court, leaving it hanging over the contrite mum’s head.
“But I have a public duty to perform as well,” he said.
“Defrauding the state of these sorts of amounts of money means that others would not have the full range of benefits (available) to them. There is a limited pot.”
He jailed Dunning for 15 months.
Although she said she was single, investigations later revealed she was living with her working partner Paul Roche between January 2002 and June 2007, a court heard. She was paid a total of £53,772 - £41,685 income support, £10,404 housing benefit and £1,681 council tax benefit.
She denied to police that they were living together as a couple, though she said he would babysit the children and would sometimes stay at her house, Teesside Crown Court was told. But she eventually admitted failing to notify the authorities of a change in circumstances.
Judge Michael Taylor said it had taken an “unconscionable” amount of time to come to court, leaving it hanging over the contrite mum’s head.
“But I have a public duty to perform as well,” he said.
“Defrauding the state of these sorts of amounts of money means that others would not have the full range of benefits (available) to them. There is a limited pot.”
He jailed Dunning for 15 months.
Bizarre benefit fraud sentencing in N Ireland
Four people have been convicted at Londonderry Magistrates' Court for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. All are required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
Patrick Toland was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £61 for wrongful encashment of Job Seekers Allowance and New Deal totalling £231.
That's a total penalty of £311 for theft of £231 (134%).
David McLaughlin was fined £100 and ordered to pay court costs of £40 for wrongful encashment of Social Fund totalling £119.
That's a total penalty of £140 for theft of £119 (117%).
Sean Morrison was fined £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £73 for failure to declare employment while claiming Job Seekers Allowance totalling £2,094.
Now that's a total penalty of £273 - less than Mr Toland's - for theft of £2,094 (13%).
And Jennifer Herron was fined £600 and ordered to pay court costs of £55 for failure to declare capital while claiming Housing Benefit totalling £19,632.
That's a total penalty of £655 for theft of £19,632 (3%).
There's some small recognition that the higher the amount, the more serious the crime. Small frauds may be a momentary impulse. But the theft of nearly £20,000 was far from that. It must have gone on over a period of time.
In Northern Ireland they prosecute for very small benefit frauds. Those are punished more sternly than in Britain.
But punishments for the larger frauds are almost the same. So they're dealt with much more leniently than they would be on the mainland.
Patrick Toland was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £61 for wrongful encashment of Job Seekers Allowance and New Deal totalling £231.
That's a total penalty of £311 for theft of £231 (134%).
David McLaughlin was fined £100 and ordered to pay court costs of £40 for wrongful encashment of Social Fund totalling £119.
That's a total penalty of £140 for theft of £119 (117%).
Sean Morrison was fined £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £73 for failure to declare employment while claiming Job Seekers Allowance totalling £2,094.
Now that's a total penalty of £273 - less than Mr Toland's - for theft of £2,094 (13%).
And Jennifer Herron was fined £600 and ordered to pay court costs of £55 for failure to declare capital while claiming Housing Benefit totalling £19,632.
That's a total penalty of £655 for theft of £19,632 (3%).
There's some small recognition that the higher the amount, the more serious the crime. Small frauds may be a momentary impulse. But the theft of nearly £20,000 was far from that. It must have gone on over a period of time.
In Northern Ireland they prosecute for very small benefit frauds. Those are punished more sternly than in Britain.
But punishments for the larger frauds are almost the same. So they're dealt with much more leniently than they would be on the mainland.
Light sentence for £8k benefit fraud
Siobhan McCormack from Newry claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £8,385 while failing to declare she was employed.
She was given a two month jail sentence suspended for three years.
Miss McCormack is required to repay the money she wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
She was given a two month jail sentence suspended for three years.
Miss McCormack is required to repay the money she wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
- People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit cheats 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.
21 Apr 2009
Immigrant jailed for benefit fraud and ID scam
Ali Bakhtiyar, from Coventry, appeared in court charged with obtaining consent to remain in UK by deception, two counts of fraud, two counts of possession of false identification documents with intent, two counts of using a false instrument with intent and failure to notify change of circumstances to obtain benefits.
Bakhtiyar, originally from Iran, was originally granted asylum to the UK in 2004 but when his asylum status ran out he created a false name to obtain a false passport and residency permit so he could stay and work in the country. But at the same time he received cash and accommodation benefit from the National Asylum Support Service.
The court heard that over a five year period Bakhtiyar claimed £20,811 fraudulently as well as working at various temp agencies where he earned more than £4,000.
The court was told how Bakhtiyar was a law abiding citizen until he began a relationship with a British Pakistani woman. He had a second residence in Yorkshire with his partner but the couple struggled financially and were expecting their first child.
Mr Bakhtiyar was sentenced to a total of 18 months imprisonment. On his release he will face deportation.
Bakhtiyar, originally from Iran, was originally granted asylum to the UK in 2004 but when his asylum status ran out he created a false name to obtain a false passport and residency permit so he could stay and work in the country. But at the same time he received cash and accommodation benefit from the National Asylum Support Service.
The court heard that over a five year period Bakhtiyar claimed £20,811 fraudulently as well as working at various temp agencies where he earned more than £4,000.
The court was told how Bakhtiyar was a law abiding citizen until he began a relationship with a British Pakistani woman. He had a second residence in Yorkshire with his partner but the couple struggled financially and were expecting their first child.
Mr Bakhtiyar was sentenced to a total of 18 months imprisonment. On his release he will face deportation.
20 Apr 2009
Single person frauds rife
Five Merseyside women have been jailed for benefits frauds totalling more than £178,000. All had falsely claimed they were single.
Beverley Parry had pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £52,832 of income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit over six years. She was jailed for 12 months.
Anthea Joliffe, who had pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £43,245 in benefits over three years, was also jailed for 12 months.
Katherine Gershman, Laine Campbell, and Kelly Lavery were all sentenced to six months in prison for falsely claiming £26,274, £30,642 and £26,036 respectively.
Lavery had pleaded guilty to under-declaring her income as well as failing to declare that she was living with her partner.
Julie Mead (£20,426) and Tracey Swindlehurst (£21,776) were given suspended sentences of six months and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work in the community. Very light sentences.
Sentencing at Liverpool crown court, Justice Holloway said he had dealt with 25 cases of benefit fraud in one week.
He said the common thread running through the cases was a failure to disclose they were living with a partner.
Beverley Parry had pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £52,832 of income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit over six years. She was jailed for 12 months.
Anthea Joliffe, who had pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £43,245 in benefits over three years, was also jailed for 12 months.
Katherine Gershman, Laine Campbell, and Kelly Lavery were all sentenced to six months in prison for falsely claiming £26,274, £30,642 and £26,036 respectively.
Lavery had pleaded guilty to under-declaring
Julie Mead (£20,426) and Tracey Swindlehurst (£21,776) were given suspended sentences of six months and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work in the community. Very light sentences.
Sentencing at Liverpool crown court, Justice Holloway said he had dealt with 25 cases of benefit fraud in one week.
He said the common thread running through the cases was a failure to disclose they were living with a partner.
- 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.
17 Apr 2009
Light sentences in Lichfield
Joanne Edwards, of Maxtock Avenue in Lichfield, pleaded guilty to failing to give prompt notification of a change of circumstances that would have affected the amount of housing and council tax benefits she was entitled to. She started a job in January 2008, but did not tell the council about it until September. As a result, she was overpaid £2,277 housing and council tax benefits.
Miss Edwards was fined £205 and ordered to pay £350 court costs. She has already paid the council back all the money she had fraudulently claimed.
A trivial punishment.
Sandra Conway pleaded guilty to‘making a false declaration that would affect the outcome of her housing and council tax benefits claim. She failed to tell the council that she had savings and investments. Had she declared to these, she would not have been entitled to receive any housing or council tax benefits. As a result she was overpaid £2,462.
Miss Conway was given a 12 month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay court costs of £350. Again, she has already paid the council all the money she had fraudulently claimed.
Another light sentence.
Julie Royston pleaded guilty to failing to give prompt notification of a change of circumstances that would have affected the amount of housing and council tax benefits she was entitled to. She failed to tell the council promptly that her earnings and tax credits had gone up. As a result she was overpaid £2,446 housing and council tax benefits.
Mrs Royston was given a 12 month community order, ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work, and pay £150 court costs. On top of this, the council has made arrangements for her to repay all of the money she fraudulently claimed.
Miss Edwards was fined £205 and ordered to pay £350 court costs. She has already paid the council back all the money she had fraudulently claimed.
A trivial punishment.
Sandra Conway pleaded guilty to‘making a false declaration that would affect the outcome of her housing and council tax benefits claim. She failed to tell the council that she had savings and investments. Had she declared to these, she would not have been entitled to receive any housing or council tax benefits. As a result she was overpaid £2,462.
Miss Conway was given a 12 month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay court costs of £350. Again, she has already paid the council all the money she had fraudulently claimed.
Another light sentence.
Julie Royston pleaded guilty to failing to give prompt notification of a change of circumstances that would have affected the amount of housing and council tax benefits she was entitled to. She failed to tell the council promptly that her earnings and tax credits had gone up. As a result she was overpaid £2,446 housing and council tax benefits.
Mrs Royston was given a 12 month community order, ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work, and pay £150 court costs. On top of this, the council has made arrangements for her to repay all of the money she fraudulently claimed.
9 months jail for £32k tax credit fraud
Dawn Reed from Hartlepool added childcare costs to her tax credits claim in January 2004, stating that three of her children were receiving care at a cost of £25.50 per week. She increased this in stages to £127 per week in February 2004, and then to £200 per week for 2004-05 and 2005-06.
But she only had two children living with her at the time, and they only briefly attended an out-of-school club for three days a week in July 2004, and a second club for a short period between July and August 2004.
In October 2004, she claimed tax credits as a single person and said she was working for 33 hours a week. But she had been claiming income support and incapacity benefit as unemployed since December 2004. Reed had falsely said she was still working to obtain an increased payment of tax credits. The tax credit claim was initially paid by automatic bank transfer. But in April 2005 Reed asked for payments to be made by giro instead.
In August 2005, Reed began to claim giros had gone missing or that she had not received them yet the giros had actually been cashed and signed for by her.
Goodness, all this took a long time to come to light. Meanwhile, Reed had received £32,348 which she wasn't entitled to.
But she only had two children living with her at the time, and they only briefly attended an out-of-school club for three days a week in July 2004, and a second club for a short period between July and August 2004.
In October 2004, she claimed tax credits as a single person and said she was working for 33 hours a week. But she had been claiming income support and incapacity benefit as unemployed since December 2004. Reed had falsely said she was still working to obtain an increased payment of tax credits. The tax credit claim was initially paid by automatic bank transfer. But in April 2005 Reed asked for payments to be made by giro instead.
In August 2005, Reed began to claim giros had gone missing or that she had not received them yet the giros had actually been cashed and signed for by her.
Goodness, all this took a long time to come to light. Meanwhile, Reed had received £32,348 which she wasn't entitled to.
Fines for illegal blue badge use in Brighton and Hove
Four people have been fined more than £1,500 in total for illegally using blue disabled parking badges, reports The Argus.
Brighton and Hove City Council issued more than 12,000 blue badges to disabled drivers in the city between 1995 and 2007.But all these offenders were using other people's badges.
Under new regulations being introduced by the Department for Transport applicants will have to undergo independent medical checks to confirm they have genuine mobility problems.
16 Apr 2009
Recidivist jailed for £27k benefit fraud
A mother of three from Knowsley who fraudulently claimed £26,942 in benefits has been jailed for six months.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Andrea Coltman claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit as a single parent. But she had failed to declare that she had been living with her partner, who was in paid employment.
Ms Coltman admitted her dishonesty when interviewed by Council and DWP fraud investigators in 2007. She said the relationship was unstable and, when she was interviewed, her partner had been in prison for a few months, which had caused them to separate.
Ms Coltman had several previous convictions for theft and had broken several curfew orders.
So she admitted her guilt when she was interviewed in 2007. Come on, DWP!
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Andrea Coltman claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit as a single parent. But she had failed to declare that she had been living with her partner, who was in paid employment.
Ms Coltman admitted her dishonesty when interviewed by Council and DWP fraud investigators in 2007. She said the relationship was unstable and, when she was interviewed, her partner had been in prison for a few months, which had caused them to separate.
Ms Coltman had several previous convictions for theft and had broken several curfew orders.
So she admitted her guilt when she was interviewed in 2007. Come on, DWP!
Retribution on recidivist postponed
Sirah Saddiq, from Heaton Chapel, pocketed £97,498 in income support and £7,624 in council tax benefit - while hiding the fact she lived with her husband, who worked for an accident repair company.
She was jailed for a mere four months.
It is believed Saddiq, who had said she was living alone, was in an Islamic marriage that was not registered in Britain.
Her scam lasted from September 2001 to August 2007 when the council’s benefit processing team spotted a discrepancy on her claim. It was jointly investigated with the DWP, against whom Saddiq had committed previous offences.
After the hearing, Roy Paul, from the DWP, vowed she would be made to pay back every penny:
She was jailed for a mere four months.
It is believed Saddiq, who had said she was living alone, was in an Islamic marriage that was not registered in Britain.
Her scam lasted from September 2001 to August 2007 when the council’s benefit processing team spotted a discrepancy on her claim. It was jointly investigated with the DWP, against whom Saddiq had committed previous offences.
After the hearing, Roy Paul, from the DWP, vowed she would be made to pay back every penny:
In addition to the sentence imposed by the court, the department will also urgently seek full reimbursement from Ms Saddiq of income support totalling some £97,000 which she fraudulently obtained, to ensure that she does not benefit financially from her criminal activities.
- So this recidivist was able to steal more than £100,000 over six years. She gets a mere four months in prison, and the court doesn't authorise the DWP to take the money back.
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.
Light sentences for benefit fraud in Harlow
Marian Wright claimed Council Tax Benefit from 2004 when she was not entitled to it, and this resulted in her being over paid benefit in the sum of £2,636. She was fined £150 and ordered to pay £300 towards costs and £15 Victims Surcharge. She also has to pay back the overpayment of benefit. Mrs Wright was claiming benefits despite having undeclared savings in excess of £48,000.
This is a piffling penalty. If she had been dealt with administratively, the 30% surcharge would have been £790.
People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit cheats 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.
Sarah Rogers was prosecuted for fraudently claiming both Income Support and Housing & Council Tax Benefit. Miss Rogers was found guilty on both counts of failing to notify the DWP and Harlow Council that she was living with her partner. This resulted in an overpayment of £7,559 in Housing Benefit and £2,114 in Council Tax Benefit, along with £2,831 in Income Support. The total amount of benefit claimed, which Miss Rogers will have to pay back, was £12,505.
Miss Rogers received a 12 month Community Punishment Order to do 100 hours unpaid work in the community, and had to pay £100 towards costs.
Another light sentence.
This is a piffling penalty. If she had been dealt with administratively, the 30% surcharge would have been £790.
People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit cheats 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.
Sarah Rogers was prosecuted for fraudently claiming both Income Support and Housing & Council Tax Benefit. Miss Rogers was found guilty on both counts of failing to notify the DWP and Harlow Council that she was living with her partner. This resulted in an overpayment of £7,559 in Housing Benefit and £2,114 in Council Tax Benefit, along with £2,831 in Income Support. The total amount of benefit claimed, which Miss Rogers will have to pay back, was £12,505.
Miss Rogers received a 12 month Community Punishment Order to do 100 hours unpaid work in the community, and had to pay £100 towards costs.
Another light sentence.
15 Apr 2009
Disability claim sportsman jailed
A 30-year-old man from Merseyside, who was part of medal winning Paralympic team at Beijing 2008, has been jailed over benefit fraud offences, reports the BBC.
Wheelchair basketball player Ade Orogbemi was jailed for six months after admitting fraudulently claiming about £33,000 of disability benefits.
Liverpool Crown Court heard he told UK Sport he was not receiving benefits and so was given a larger grant.
He had been selected to lead the team for the Paralympic World Cup in May.
Do we get our money back?
Wheelchair basketball player Ade Orogbemi was jailed for six months after admitting fraudulently claiming about £33,000 of disability benefits.
Liverpool Crown Court heard he told UK Sport he was not receiving benefits and so was given a larger grant.
He had been selected to lead the team for the Paralympic World Cup in May.
Do we get our money back?
Hertford Benefit Cheat Spared Jail
This is only a small case, but the report from the East Herts Herald raises some interesting points.
A benefits cheat from Hertford, who illegally claimed more than £3000, avoided a jail term.
Barbara Scott, 62, failed to inform East Herts Council that her son, Harry, who lived with her in Chelmsford Road, had changed employment and increased his earnings for more than three years.
An adjudicating officer confirmed that she had been overpaid housing benefit, pocketing £3,082.40 and council tax benefit amounting to £411.70, both between April 2005 and August 2008.
Scott, who pleaded guilty, was given a 12-month conditional discharge last month (March 24). The court felt unable to order a contribution to prosecution costs from the Scott because of her "exceptional financial hardship".
Bob Parker, executive member for housing and health, said: "Cases like this demonstrate that people should always get in touch if they think that any changes in their circumstances may affect the amount of money they receive. In some cases they may be entitled to more but they may well be entitled to less - and when the discrepancy does come to light the amount to be repaid can be quite daunting. There is also the stigma of being branded a benefit cheat for the rest of your life."
First the article's heading. As regular readers of this blog know, there is no chance that benefit fraud of just under £3,500 would have brought a jail sentence. So it's interesting that the paper takes this angle for its headline - perhaps reflecting its view of its readers' expectations.
Second, she just got a conditional discharge, because she was so poor. Effectively then she got away with it.
A benefits cheat from Hertford, who illegally claimed more than £3000, avoided a jail term.
Barbara Scott, 62, failed to inform East Herts Council that her son, Harry, who lived with her in Chelmsford Road, had changed employment and increased his earnings for more than three years.
An adjudicating officer confirmed that she had been overpaid housing benefit, pocketing £3,082.40 and council tax benefit amounting to £411.70, both between April 2005 and August 2008.
Scott, who pleaded guilty, was given a 12-month conditional discharge last month (March 24). The court felt unable to order a contribution to prosecution costs from the Scott because of her "exceptional financial hardship".
Bob Parker, executive member for housing and health, said: "Cases like this demonstrate that people should always get in touch if they think that any changes in their circumstances may affect the amount of money they receive. In some cases they may be entitled to more but they may well be entitled to less - and when the discrepancy does come to light the amount to be repaid can be quite daunting. There is also the stigma of being branded a benefit cheat for the rest of your life."
First the article's heading. As regular readers of this blog know, there is no chance that benefit fraud of just under £3,500 would have brought a jail sentence. So it's interesting that the paper takes this angle for its headline - perhaps reflecting its view of its readers' expectations.
Second, she just got a conditional discharge, because she was so poor. Effectively then she got away with it.
- People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit cheats 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.
Sandbach woman in £16k benefit fraud
A Sandbach woman who admitted illegally claiming nearly £16,000 in benefits was exposed when officials saw her on an American Rotary Club exchange programme in a Crewe Chronicle report - reports the Crewe Chronicle.
Elizabeth Orsman falsely claimed a total of £15,833 in Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Housing and Council Tax Benefits over three and a half years.
She was caught out in April last year when she was pictured in Texas as a team leader on a four-week group study exchange with the Rotary Club of Haslington. At Crewe Magistrates she pleaded guilty to 11 charges of fraud including making false statements and failing to declare employment.
A spokeswoman for the DWP said: “She was claiming Incapacity, Housing and Council Tax Benefits when she went on the Rotary exchange to Dallas. She did inform the department that she was going away but said she was going on a two week respite holiday in Wales to care for her sick partner.” It will be seeking full reimbursement from Orsman.
Before the trip she had failed to notify either Congleton Borough Council or the DWP that she had worked for five separate businesses - including Action for Employment in Crewe where she was a trainer helping unemployed people find jobs!
The case was adjourned by the magistrates until April 24 for a pre-sentence report.
Elizabeth Orsman falsely claimed a total of £15,833 in Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Housing and Council Tax Benefits over three and a half years.
She was caught out in April last year when she was pictured in Texas as a team leader on a four-week group study exchange with the Rotary Club of Haslington. At Crewe Magistrates she pleaded guilty to 11 charges of fraud including making false statements and failing to declare employment.
A spokeswoman for the DWP said: “She was claiming Incapacity, Housing and Council Tax Benefits when she went on the Rotary exchange to Dallas. She did inform the department that she was going away but said she was going on a two week respite holiday in Wales to care for her sick partner.” It will be seeking full reimbursement from Orsman.
Before the trip she had failed to notify either Congleton Borough Council or the DWP that she had worked for five separate businesses - including Action for Employment in Crewe where she was a trainer helping unemployed people find jobs!
The case was adjourned by the magistrates until April 24 for a pre-sentence report.
DWP bungle puts fraud witness at risk
A woman had a bullet fired through her window after her witness statements were sent to the fraudster she reported, says the Mirror.
Single mother "Sarah Jones" alerted the authorities after she discovered that her neighbour was illegally sub-letting the top floor of her council flat while living downstairs.
But the confidential papers she was asked to sign by fraud squad investigators were accidentally sent to the neighbour.
"Sarah" said: "The first I knew of the mistake was when my neighbour came to my door with a copy of the statement. She threw it in my face and said she had plans for me. I've since been attacked by her boyfriend and now I'm too afraid to leave my house."
Chillingly, three photos of coffins were dropped through her letterbox with a note asking which one she wanted. She alerted the police but claimed they told her nothing could be done.
And then, a few days later, a group of hooded teenagers fired a bullet through the living room of her South London flat. "Sarah" said: "I rushed in to discover a hole in the window. The police said only a bullet could have made a hole like that."
She has received £750 compensation and an apology from Jobcentre Plus - the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sub-division that handles benefit fraud. However, despite three requests, "Sarah's" local council refuse to rehouse her and her son John, 10, because they say there isn't enough evidence that she is at risk.
Sarah, whose name we have changed to avoid the possibility of more revenge attacks, said:
Single mother "Sarah Jones" alerted the authorities after she discovered that her neighbour was illegally sub-letting the top floor of her council flat while living downstairs.
But the confidential papers she was asked to sign by fraud squad investigators were accidentally sent to the neighbour.
"Sarah" said: "The first I knew of the mistake was when my neighbour came to my door with a copy of the statement. She threw it in my face and said she had plans for me. I've since been attacked by her boyfriend and now I'm too afraid to leave my house."
Chillingly, three photos of coffins were dropped through her letterbox with a note asking which one she wanted. She alerted the police but claimed they told her nothing could be done.
And then, a few days later, a group of hooded teenagers fired a bullet through the living room of her South London flat. "Sarah" said: "I rushed in to discover a hole in the window. The police said only a bullet could have made a hole like that."
She has received £750 compensation and an apology from Jobcentre Plus - the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sub-division that handles benefit fraud. However, despite three requests, "Sarah's" local council refuse to rehouse her and her son John, 10, because they say there isn't enough evidence that she is at risk.
Sarah, whose name we have changed to avoid the possibility of more revenge attacks, said:
I have had anonymous phone calls, threats and the whole neighbourhood has turned against me."
My son has been abused in the street and I'm at my wits' end. And all because I stood up and did the right thing.
The DWP promised me the statement would be confidential - but they were too incompetent even to do that. I want people to know that it isn't safe to give witness statements to the DWP.
NHS worker told to repay fraudulent benefits
Kashif Ali, who as a support technician worked for the NHS among other companies, told Harrow Council that he earned just £87 a week – enabling him to claim housing and council tax benefits totalling over £11,500. In reality he was earning around £500 a week.
At Harrow Magistrates' Court he was sentenced to 180 hours of community service and ordered to pay back the money he had illegally claimed and an additional £1,500 in costs.
At Harrow Magistrates' Court he was sentenced to 180 hours of community service and ordered to pay back the money he had illegally claimed and an additional £1,500 in costs.
Light sentence for £15k Aberdeen benefit cheat
Aberdeen woman Wenda Bain was convicted of claiming housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support she was not entitled to over a 27-month period totalling more than £15,500.
An investigation by Aberdeenshire Council and the DWP found she was married and living with Jeroen Van Klaveren. She was claiming benefit as a single person while living at a Balmedie farmhouse.
She was merely fined £1,750 and ordered to repay the cash she claimed by fraud.
An investigation by Aberdeenshire Council and the DWP found she was married and living with Jeroen Van Klaveren. She was claiming benefit as a single person while living at a Balmedie farmhouse.
She was merely fined £1,750 and ordered to repay the cash she claimed by fraud.
- Where's the deterrent?
People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit cheats 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.
Woman admits £55k benefit fraud
Keely Reynolds, of Manod, Blaenau Ffestiniog, failed to disclose her partner Anthony Smith was living at the same house as her.
She pleaded guilty to five charges of dishonestly obtaining housing benefit and council tax totalling £55,000 and was given unconditional bail until May in order to obtain a pre-sentence report.
She pleaded guilty to five charges of dishonestly obtaining housing benefit and council tax totalling £55,000 and was given unconditional bail until May in order to obtain a pre-sentence report.
14 Apr 2009
Another light sentence for benefit fraud
A woman has been convicted at Strabane Magistrates' Court for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.
Karen Patton was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £46 for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support, Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £9,361.
Miss Patton is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
She's got away virtually scot free.
Karen Patton was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £46 for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support, Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £9,361.
Miss Patton is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
She's got away virtually scot free.
11 Apr 2009
£21k recidivist benefit fraudster escapes jail
A man who “buried his head in the sand” and fraudulently claimed benefits for nine years has been told to pay back the money.
William Blackmore, 60, of Llanrumney, Cardiff, admitted 37 counts of falsely claiming benefits while working full-time as a labourer and driver for Scimitar Construction Ltd between 1998 and 2007.
He was told he will have to pay back the £21,557 he claimed – less £207 he has already paid – in instalments of £50 per week, which should take him another nine years.
At Cardiff Crown Court, Blackmore was given a 36-week jail sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 240 hours of community service.
Recorder Christopher Clee QC, sentencing, said: “You know that you should not have been receiving this money and it is not the first time you have done it. Can I suggest that you do pay this money back.”
William Blackmore, 60, of Llanrumney, Cardiff, admitted 37 counts of falsely claiming benefits while working full-time as a labourer and driver for Scimitar Construction Ltd between 1998 and 2007.
He was told he will have to pay back the £21,557 he claimed – less £207 he has already paid – in instalments of £50 per week, which should take him another nine years.
At Cardiff Crown Court, Blackmore was given a 36-week jail sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 240 hours of community service.
Recorder Christopher Clee QC, sentencing, said: “You know that you should not have been receiving this money and it is not the first time you have done it. Can I suggest that you do pay this money back.”
- Of course he won't really be paying it back. That calculation takes no account of interest.
Benefit fraudsters should have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.
DWP behind the times
Luton resident Colleen Ekins has been convicted of benefit fraud totalling £1,529.
She failed to notify a change in circumstances to the Council whilst claiming housing and council tax benefit. She was fined £270 and ordered to pay £500 towards Council’s costs.
The Court heard that the Council’s investigators had discovered through a data matching exercise that Ekins had stopped receiving Job Seekers Allowance and had failed to notify this change to the Council.
This is ridiculous. We are past the age of pen and paper. It must be simple for the DWP to generate automatic messages when someone comes off benefit, even if direct communication between databases at a reasonable cost is beyond the government IT function.
We are also told that the Council is recovering the overpayment through its civil recovery procedures. As in the next case, one court hearing should suffice.
Get real, state!
She failed to notify a change in circumstances to the Council whilst claiming housing and council tax benefit. She was fined £270 and ordered to pay £500 towards Council’s costs.
The Court heard that the Council’s investigators had discovered through a data matching exercise that Ekins had stopped receiving Job Seekers Allowance and had failed to notify this change to the Council.
This is ridiculous. We are past the age of pen and paper. It must be simple for the DWP to generate automatic messages when someone comes off benefit, even if direct communication between databases at a reasonable cost is beyond the government IT function.
We are also told that the Council is recovering the overpayment through its civil recovery procedures. As in the next case, one court hearing should suffice.
Get real, state!
Housing benefit cheat avoids jail
Shilpa Singh, from Worcester Park, fraudulently claimed over £6,000 of housing benefit. She was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and received a community order of 150 hours of unpaid work. She also had to pay £750 legal costs.
Mrs Singh claimed to be renting the property when she was in fact the owner, and used housing benefit to pay her mortgage. She forged a tenancy agreement and rent book to escape detection.
Judge Ellis said that the fraud was against every person in the country and that it would normally warrant a custodial sentence. But she took into account Mrs Singh’s previous good character and early guilty plea, and the fact she had made efforts to repay the money.
This wasn't a moment of madness. It was a deliberate, planned fraud, doubtless perpetrated over several years.
And the Judge refers to her efforts to repay the money, but then we are told that "the council is now taking action to recover the housing benefit payments".
Which itself is ridiculous. The court system needs to be reformed so that conviction and confiscation can be dealt with in one hearing.
Army cadet instructor in £15k benefit fraud
Anthony Cleverley, a Birmingham Army Cadet Force instructor, claimed Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit totalling almost £15,000 on the basis he was unable to work due to ill health.
He said he could only walk two to four yards at a time and needed the aid of sticks, splints and a wheelchair to get around.
But an anonymous tip-off revealed Cleverley had told the Army he was in good health and had no disabilities that would affect his ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, lift or use his hand and arms.
In June 1998, he stated he was incapable of work but no longer required the use of his wheelchair, although he still used a stick and was limited to short distances on a good day.
He also claimed in November 1998 that he still required help throughout the day with his personal care and was only able to walk 20 metres before stopping, although on a good day he was able to go around the supermarket holding a trolley.
He is due to be sentenced on 21 April.
He said he could only walk two to four yards at a time and needed the aid of sticks, splints and a wheelchair to get around.
But an anonymous tip-off revealed Cleverley had told the Army he was in good health and had no disabilities that would affect his ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, lift or use his hand and arms.
In June 1998, he stated he was incapable of work but no longer required the use of his wheelchair, although he still used a stick and was limited to short distances on a good day.
He also claimed in November 1998 that he still required help throughout the day with his personal care and was only able to walk 20 metres before stopping, although on a good day he was able to go around the supermarket holding a trolley.
He is due to be sentenced on 21 April.
10 Apr 2009
Taxi driver stole £21k benefits
Clearly we don't have all the facts, but this looks to deserve a prison sentence.
A taxi driver who admitted fiddling £21,000 in benefits also ran up debts totalling £65,000, a court heard
But Trevor Cable has denied using the benefits cash to support his Thai wife and her children. He said his father gave him £7,660 to send to Thailand in 33 instalments over 15 months from December 2006, Chelmsford magistrates heard.
Cable's seven-year benefits cheat was finally exposed when Maldon District Council received an anonymous tip-off on their hotline.
The court heard on April 6 Cable also had loan and credit cards debts totalling £65,000 and a housing association was trying to evict him from his home in Hillary Close, Heybridge.
Alastair Morrell, representing Maldon District Council, said Cable borrowed £14,000 from Lloyds Bank in 2007 to buy a Mercedes. He told them he earned £1,300 gross a month to obtain the loan, but he told the council he took home £80 a week in order to claim benefits.
Magistrates told Cable he could be jailed for the fraud and ordered a probation report. They later ordered him to pay £5,000 compensation to the council, saying he had "misappropriated" a large sum and needed to be punished as well as rehabilitated.
He was ordered to work unpaid for 150 hours during six months' supervision and take part in a 25-day education, training and employment programme.
Mr Morrell said Cable began claiming housing and council tax benefits in April 2001 saying he earned £80 a week, working part time for 17 hours a week for Arrow Taxis. He left Arrow Taxis and bought a Mercedes in a bid to go up market but it failed.
After the tip off, Cable admitted having two undeclared bank accounts with Halifax and Nationwide, which showed he was paying in a total average of £164 a week.
Cable was overpaid by £21,006.73 and had not paid a penny back to the council, added Mr Morrell.
Kerry Walker, mitigating, said Cable suffered from dyslexia that had not been dealt with and he had to be helped to fill in council forms.
"He is not a man who has sought to take advantage of the system, but forgot to tell them everything." This is a lie.
Miss Walker said: "Cable did not enjoy a lavish lifestyle, but had a large amount of debt because of the loan he took out. He didn't have a debt of £65,000 because of a £14,000 loan.
A taxi driver who admitted fiddling £21,000 in benefits also ran up debts totalling £65,000, a court heard
But Trevor Cable has denied using the benefits cash to support his Thai wife and her children. He said his father gave him £7,660 to send to Thailand in 33 instalments over 15 months from December 2006, Chelmsford magistrates heard.
Cable's seven-year benefits cheat was finally exposed when Maldon District Council received an anonymous tip-off on their hotline.
The court heard on April 6 Cable also had loan and credit cards debts totalling £65,000 and a housing association was trying to evict him from his home in Hillary Close, Heybridge.
Alastair Morrell, representing Maldon District Council, said Cable borrowed £14,000 from Lloyds Bank in 2007 to buy a Mercedes. He told them he earned £1,300 gross a month to obtain the loan, but he told the council he took home £80 a week in order to claim benefits.
Magistrates told Cable he could be jailed for the fraud and ordered a probation report. They later ordered him to pay £5,000 compensation to the council, saying he had "misappropriate
He was ordered to work unpaid for 150 hours during six months' supervision and take part in a 25-day education, training and employment programme.
Mr Morrell said Cable began claiming housing and council tax benefits in April 2001 saying he earned £80 a week, working part time for 17 hours a week for Arrow Taxis. He left Arrow Taxis and bought a Mercedes in a bid to go up market but it failed.
After the tip off, Cable admitted having two undeclared bank accounts with Halifax and Nationwide, which showed he was paying in a total average of £164 a week.
Cable was overpaid by £21,006.73 and had not paid a penny back to the council, added Mr Morrell.
Kerry Walker, mitigating, said Cable suffered from dyslexia that had not been dealt with and he had to be helped to fill in council forms.
"He is not a man who has sought to take advantage of the system, but forgot to tell them everything." This is a lie.
Miss Walker said: "Cable did not enjoy a lavish lifestyle, but had a large amount of debt because of the loan he took out. He didn't have a debt of £65,000 because of a £14,000 loan.
Jail for £24k benefit fraudster
Melony Woollery, a trainee teacher who fraudulently claimed more that £24,000 in benefits, has been jailed for a year.
Ms Woollery, from Croydon, who also owns property in Manchester, pleaded guilty to 22 offences at an earlier hearing at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.
She made false housing benefit claims to Croydon Council by allegedly inventing a fictitious landlady to whom she paid rent.
In support of her claims she submitted a letter and tenancy agreements in the ‘landlady’s’ name. However it transpired that the claims were false and that Woollery was the owner of the property, and an address in Manchester she had given as her ‘landlady’s’ was another property she owned.
During the time she was claiming housing benefit in Croydon, it was discovered that she also owned another property in Manchester that she had not declared. Both properties were let to tenants. In total, nine fraudulent claim forms were completed between November 2004 and January 2007.
Woollery’s deceit first came to light in November 2007 following an investigation by the council's corporate anti-fraud team. It was also discovered that she had been claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance despite being a full time student, and she had failed to disclose that she was receiving student support through Manchester City Council.
Acting on information from Croydon, Manchester City Council investigated her benefit claims for a property in Manchester and established that she had owned it since 2002 - a fact that she omitted on housing benefit forms she submitted to the council
When interviewed, Woollery admitted to falsifying the documents she submitted from her alleged landlords in Croydon and Manchester.
The court was told Woollery, who has a law degree and is currently attending a post graduate teacher training college and working part-time as a care worker, had found herself in financial difficulties due to problems with her mortgages.
She said she came to London to find work and had put her Manchester property up for sale, but having found it hard to find a buyer remortgaged the property instead. She saved a deposit to buy another property in London and then when she fell behind with the mortgage payments continued the fraud in London.
Ms Woollery, from Croydon, who also owns property in Manchester, pleaded guilty to 22 offences at an earlier hearing at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.
She made false housing benefit claims to Croydon Council by allegedly inventing a fictitious landlady to whom she paid rent.
In support of her claims she submitted a letter and tenancy agreements in the ‘landlady’s’ name. However it transpired that the claims were false and that Woollery was the owner of the property, and an address in Manchester she had given as her ‘landlady’s’ was another property she owned.
During the time she was claiming housing benefit in Croydon, it was discovered that she also owned another property in Manchester that she had not declared. Both properties were let to tenants. In total, nine fraudulent claim forms were completed between November 2004 and January 2007.
Woollery’s deceit first came to light in November 2007 following an investigation by the council's corporate anti-fraud team. It was also discovered that she had been claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance despite being a full time student, and she had failed to disclose that she was receiving student support through Manchester City Council.
Acting on information from Croydon, Manchester City Council investigated her benefit claims for a property in Manchester and established that she had owned it since 2002 - a fact that she omitted on housing benefit forms she submitted to the council
When interviewed, Woollery admitted to falsifying the documents she submitted from her alleged landlords in Croydon and Manchester.
The court was told Woollery, who has a law degree and is currently attending a post graduate teacher training college and working part-time as a care worker, had found herself in financial difficulties due to problems with her mortgages.
She said she came to London to find work and had put her Manchester property up for sale, but having found it hard to find a buyer remortgaged the property instead. She saved a deposit to buy another property in London and then when she fell behind with the mortgage payments continued the fraud in London.
- 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.
Jail for £22k benefit thief
A benefit fraudster caught working for a cleaning company under a different name while claiming £22,485 in Government assistance will take 20 years to pay it back. Dawn Wright, who has been claiming benefits for more than a decade, was jailed for nine months after she admitted working while fraudulently claiming benefits.
She was caught when her daughter shopped in another benefit fraudster and that person in turn revealed what Wright had been up to. Neil Chawla, prosecuting, said her benefit claims for income support started legitimately in September 1997 and similarly for housing and council tax benefit in 2001.
However, when she started employment with So Clean in November 2005, she failed to disclose this as she was using a false name.
Mr Chawla said: "There is a bit of an aggravating feature in that she started work as Dawn Smith.
"She said she had done it because she was in debt and had been told it was easy to do and no one would find out."
She has started a direct debit of £155 a month which will take about 20 years to repay in full.
Stuart Yeung, defending, said: "She is not an evil woman but allowed herself to be the victim of circumstances, doing the best for her daughter and grandchildren."
She was caught when her daughter shopped in another benefit fraudster and that person in turn revealed what Wright had been up to. Neil Chawla, prosecuting, said her benefit claims for income support started legitimately in September 1997 and similarly for housing and council tax benefit in 2001.
However, when she started employment with So Clean in November 2005, she failed to disclose this as she was using a false name.
Mr Chawla said: "There is a bit of an aggravating feature in that she started work as Dawn Smith.
"She said she had done it because she was in debt and had been told it was easy to do and no one would find out."
She has started a direct debit of £155 a month which will take about 20 years to repay in full.
Stuart Yeung, defending, said: "She is not an evil woman but allowed herself to be the victim of circumstances, doing the best for her daughter and grandchildren."
- She was not a victim. She was a thief.
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.
Prison for £105k benefit fraud recidivist
A Stockport woman pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining more than £105,000 in benefits over a six-year period.
Sirah Saddiq, aged 39, of Wellington Road North, Stockport, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court this week for failing to declare that there was a working partner in the household, thereby obtaining benefits fraudulently from Stockport Council and the DWP.
Saddiq, who had committed previous offences against the DWP, was given a four month custodial sentence - which doesn't seem much.
The theft of public money was discovered by the council's benefit processing team after finding discrepancies on her claim. This was then jointly investigated by the DWP and the council's counter fraud investigation team.
The overpayments of Income Support and Council Tax Benefit are to be repaid and are separate from the court action.
Sirah Saddiq, aged 39, of Wellington Road North, Stockport, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court this week for failing to declare that there was a working partner in the household, thereby obtaining benefits fraudulently from Stockport Council and the DWP.
Saddiq, who had committed previous offences against the DWP, was given a four month custodial sentence - which doesn't seem much.
The theft of public money was discovered by the council's benefit processing team after finding discrepancies on her claim. This was then jointly investigated by the DWP and the council's counter fraud investigation team.
The overpayments of Income Support and Council Tax Benefit are to be repaid and are separate from the court action.
- All this should be dealt with in one court action.
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.
8 Apr 2009
Seven convicted of benefit fraud in Belfast
Elaine Bittles was given 12 months probation and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for duplicate encashment of Income Support totalling £133.
John McLaughlin was given 120 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £25 for duplicate encashment of Incapacity Benefit totalling £363.
Catherine Melaney was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £37 for failure to declare employment while claiming Housing Benefit and Income Support totalling £5,798.
Stephen Mackin was fined £150 and ordered to pay court costs of £33 for failure to declare employment while claiming Job Seekers Allowance totalling £273.
All are also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
John McLaughlin was given 120 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £25 for duplicate encashment of Incapacity Benefit totalling £363.
Catherine Melaney was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £37 for failure to declare employment while claiming Housing Benefit and Income Support totalling £5,798.
- A light sentence compared to John McLaughlin's. People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit fraudsters 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.
- Another light sentence compared to John McLaughlin's. People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit fraudsters 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.
- A £300 fine for theft of £8,025? Where's the deterrent? what sort of punishment is this?
Stephen Mackin was fined £150 and ordered to pay court costs of £33 for failure to declare employment while claiming Job Seekers Allowance totalling £273.
All are also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
- But benefit fraudsters 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.
Prison for £12k benefit fraud
John Burns from Lisnaskea was sentenced to four months imprisonment for failure to declare income while claiming benefits totalling £12,385.
Mr Burns is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
Mr Burns is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
Light sentences in Northern Ireland
Where's the deterrent in these sentences?
People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit fraudsters 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.
Thomas Booth from Magherafelt has been given an 18 month conditional discharge for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £4,374. Mr Booth is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
Mark Powell from Antrim was given a two month sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay court costs of £64 for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £3,886. Mr Powell is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
Robert Gill from Belfast was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £34 for claiming Disability Living Allowance totalling £4,697 with exaggerated incapacity. Mr Gill is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
Michael Perry from Downpatrick was fined £100 for failing to declare he was living with a partner while claiming Income Support totalling £7,901. Mr Perry is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit fraudsters 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.
Thomas Booth from Magherafelt has been given an 18 month conditional discharge for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £4,374. Mr Booth is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
Mark Powell from Antrim was given a two month sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay court costs of £64 for failure to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £3,886. Mr Powell is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
Robert Gill from Belfast was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £34 for claiming Disability Living Allowance totalling £4,697 with exaggerated incapacity. Mr Gill is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
Michael Perry from Downpatrick was fined £100 for failing to declare he was living with a partner while claiming Income Support totalling £7,901. Mr Perry is also required to repay the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.
7 Apr 2009
No jail for £35k benefit fraud
A woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for illegally claiming more than £35,000 in benefit payments.
Patricia Colcutt, 34, of Burgan Close, Cowley, admitted failing to notify a change of circumstance relating to income support between January 2006 and February 2008.
She also admitted failing to notify a change of circumstance in relation to council tax benefit and housing benefit between February 2006 and February 2008.
Colcutt, who claimed £35,893.87 in benefits, was given a ten-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, at Oxford Crown Court.
She was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service and pay £250 costs.
She notched up nearly £36k of benefits in two years. That's quite a rate.
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.
Patricia Colcutt, 34, of Burgan Close, Cowley, admitted failing to notify a change of circumstance relating to income support between January 2006 and February 2008.
She also admitted failing to notify a change of circumstance in relation to council tax benefit and housing benefit between February 2006 and February 2008.
Colcutt, who claimed £35,893.87 in benefits, was given a ten-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, at Oxford Crown Court.
She was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service and pay £250 costs.
She notched up nearly £36k of benefits in two years. That's quite a rate.
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.
£6k benefit fraud
Paul Russell from Shirebrook has been convicted by Chesterfield magistrates of falsely claiming more than £6,000 in housing benefit, Council Tax benefit and Jobseekers' Allowance while working as a security guard for a local company between July 2007 and April 2008.
Magistrates told Mr Russell that his benefits would be reclaimed. He received a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 15 months, a 150 hours' Community Punishment Order, and an order to pay £120 in costs.
Magistrates told Mr Russell that his benefits would be reclaimed. He received a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 15 months, a 150 hours' Community Punishment Order, and an order to pay £120 in costs.
Mother claimed £16k tax credits for dead baby
A mother used her dead baby boy to swindle £16,000 in benefits.
Nicola Gallagher, from Haldane, Dunbartonshire, claimed the benefits for her son Jack, even though he had died after birth 10 years ago. She lied that she had five kids instead of four in her benefit claims. She also duped authorities into believing her husband was not living with her.
And her callous scheme came to light eight years after Jack's death.
He passed away shortly after being born very premature in December 1998.
Gallagher has admitted giving false information and raking in £23,927 in working tax credits between April 2003 and July 2006. She was entitled to just £7000.
In 2003 she gave conflicting information about her circumstances in forms for working tax credits and her student bursary. Suspicions were raised and HMRC began an investigation.
Depute fiscal Paul Ayre said Gallagher continued to receive tax credits until 2006, when Revenue and Customs got in touch with the Students Awards Agency. Gallagher was then questioned.
Mr Ayre said: "When interviewed in 2006, she admitted she completed and signed all the forms.
"She claimed she was separated from her husband and that he was living with his parents. But that was contradicted by evidence.
"She denied at the interview that she had a fifth child. He died eight years previously. Mrs Gallagher was entitled to tax credits but she overclaimed payments by £16,000 that didn't reflect her circumstances."
Gallagher admitted claiming working tax credits in respect of son Jack and lying to benefits officials that she had split up with her fireman husband. She also gave false information about his earnings.
She was interviewed about this in 2006, and it took until 2009 to come to court.
Nicola Gallagher, from Haldane, Dunbartonshire, claimed the benefits for her son Jack, even though he had died after birth 10 years ago. She lied that she had five kids instead of four in her benefit claims. She also duped authorities into believing her husband was not living with her.
And her callous scheme came to light eight years after Jack's death.
He passed away shortly after being born very premature in December 1998.
Gallagher has admitted giving false information and raking in £23,927 in working tax credits between April 2003 and July 2006. She was entitled to just £7000.
In 2003 she gave conflicting information about her circumstances in forms for working tax credits and her student bursary. Suspicions were raised and HMRC began an investigation.
Depute fiscal Paul Ayre said Gallagher continued to receive tax credits until 2006, when Revenue and Customs got in touch with the Students Awards Agency. Gallagher was then questioned.
Mr Ayre said: "When interviewed in 2006, she admitted she completed and signed all the forms.
"She claimed she was separated from her husband and that he was living with his parents. But that was contradicted by evidence.
"She denied at the interview that she had a fifth child. He died eight years previously. Mrs Gallagher was entitled to tax credits but she overclaimed payments by £16,000 that didn't reflect her circumstances."
Gallagher admitted claiming working tax credits in respect of son Jack and lying to benefits officials that she had split up with her fireman husband. She also gave false information about his earnings.
She was interviewed about this in 2006, and it took until 2009 to come to court.
6 Apr 2009
Jail for £45k fraud
A benefits cheat who defrauded the taxpayer out of £45,000 has been sentenced to a year behind bars.
Edward Meredith, 46, of Holgate Road, Dagenham, was claiming income support, incapacity benefit and housing and council tax benefits when he started work as a warehouseman in April 2003.
Instead of telling the council or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about his change of circumstances he continued to claim benefits.
He also submitted fraudulent applications to renew the benefits he was not entitled to.
His crimes came to light when the DWP realised Meredith had not declared his employment.
Together with the council's fraud team, they launched an investigation which uncovered a fraud of £45,000, spread over four years.
After he failed to appear at Barking Magistrates Court last September a warrant was issued for Meredith's arrest.
Meredith pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 20.
Judge Hughes said the fraud was so serious a custodial sentence was the only option and sentenced him to 12 months in prison.The court heard Meredith intends to pay back the money he owes.
Edward Meredith, 46, of Holgate Road, Dagenham, was claiming income support, incapacity benefit and housing and council tax benefits when he started work as a warehouseman in April 2003.
Instead of telling the council or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about his change of circumstances he continued to claim benefits.
He also submitted fraudulent applications to renew the benefits he was not entitled to.
His crimes came to light when the DWP realised Meredith had not declared his employment.
Together with the council's fraud team, they launched an investigation which uncovered a fraud of £45,000, spread over four years.
After he failed to appear at Barking Magistrates Court last September a warrant was issued for Meredith's arrest.
Meredith pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 20.
Judge Hughes said the fraud was so serious a custodial sentence was the only option and sentenced him to 12 months in prison.The court heard Meredith intends to pay back the money he owes.
Light sentence for social housing fraud
An East Ham resident has been ordered to transfer ownership of his home to Newham Council after being found guilty of committing housing fraud.
Newham Council prosecuted Ashik Miah, 37, after an anonymous tip off to the council's fraud hotline revealed he had failed to declare joint ownership of a property in Kent before purchasing a Katherine Road property under the council's Right to Buy (RTB) scheme.
The failure to declare the Kent property allowed Miah to unlawfully obtain a £29,900 discount on the Katherine Road property under the RTB scheme, in addition to obtaining the original tenancy by deception.
Appearing at Stratford Magistrate's Court, Miah was given a six month custodial sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay council's costs of £3,540 after he was found guilty of breaching the Theft Act 1968 and 1978.
The court ordered the house to be transferred back to the council with the costs of transfer to be borne by Miah.
The only hit this man has taken to his pocket seems to be a fine that is small in the context of the size of his deliberate fraud, and the cost of transferring the property back. Not enough.
We have blogged before about social housing fraud. It is rarely investigated and even more rarely prosecuted. Slaps on the wrist lie this won't be much of a deterrent.
Newham Council prosecuted Ashik Miah, 37, after an anonymous tip off to the council's fraud hotline revealed he had failed to declare joint ownership of a property in Kent before purchasing a Katherine Road property under the council's Right to Buy (RTB) scheme.
The failure to declare the Kent property allowed Miah to unlawfully obtain a £29,900 discount on the Katherine Road property under the RTB scheme, in addition to obtaining the original tenancy by deception.
Appearing at Stratford Magistrate's Court, Miah was given a six month custodial sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay council's costs of £3,540 after he was found guilty of breaching the Theft Act 1968 and 1978.
The court ordered the house to be transferred back to the council with the costs of transfer to be borne by Miah.
The only hit this man has taken to his pocket seems to be a fine that is small in the context of the size of his deliberate fraud, and the cost of transferring the property back. Not enough.
We have blogged before about social housing fraud. It is rarely investigated and even more rarely prosecuted. Slaps on the wrist lie this won't be much of a deterrent.
£28k benefit fraudster runs rings round accusers
A benefit cheat who doubled her money by investing in high-interest accounts turned up at court wearing socks with the phrase: `Show me the money.'
Sylvia Rogers told welfare staff she was penniless even though she was using taxpayers' cash to build up a £60,000 fortune. The Wythenshawe mum-of-three put the swindled money into high-yield accounts.
Rogers admitted wrongly claiming £28,000. She was given a six-month suspended prison sentence.
Rogers started claiming benefits legitimately in the 1990s. Jobseekers are allowed to have savings but must stop when their investments reach £16,000 or more. But Rogers continued, eventually building up a total of £60,000.
She said much of her fortune had been wiped out when her benefits were eventually cut. A significant chunk also disappeared after a poor investment in a mobile home – leaving her with £11,000. She was also convicted of claiming benefits over a three-year period while working as a part-time housekeeper.
Ms Rogers – who has a string of convictions for shoplifting from the 1970s to the late 1990s – admitted two counts of fraud.
She was also told to sign a supervision order and undertake 240 hours of community service. A civil case will be taken out against her in an effort to recover some of the cash.
Sylvia Rogers told welfare staff she was penniless even though she was using taxpayers' cash to build up a £60,000 fortune. The Wythenshawe mum-of-three put the swindled money into high-yield accounts.
Rogers admitted wrongly claiming £28,000. She was given a six-month suspended prison sentence.
Rogers started claiming benefits legitimately in the 1990s. Jobseekers are allowed to have savings but must stop when their investments reach £16,000 or more. But Rogers continued, eventually building up a total of £60,000.
She said much of her fortune had been wiped out when her benefits were eventually cut. A significant chunk also disappeared after a poor investment in a mobile home – leaving her with £11,000. She was also convicted of claiming benefits over a three-year period while working as a part-time housekeeper.
Ms Rogers – who has a string of convictions for shoplifting from the 1970s to the late 1990s – admitted two counts of fraud.
She was also told to sign a supervision order and undertake 240 hours of community service. A civil case will be taken out against her in an effort to recover some of the cash.
- The legal process is too cumbersome. A confiscation order should be obtainable at the same hearing.
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.
Benefit frauds in Huntingdonshire
FRAUDSTER Anneka Thomas from Huntingdon cheated the taxpayer out of more than £1,000. Anneka Thomas, from Huntingdon, made a claim for housing and council tax benefit in April 2007 based on her part-time earnings, but did not report to the council until a year later that her wages had trebled between May 2007 and February 2008. She was overpaid more than £1,000 in benefit.
She has made arrangements to repay the council the benefit claimed and was merely given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £440 costs to the council.
Natalie Daniels was convicted of benefit fraud in her absence by Huntingdon magistrates, who heard she legitimately claimed benefits while on long-term sick leave from work. But she failed to inform the council when she returned to her job, and claimed £975 between August 2007 and May 2008. She was also given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay back the money they owed to the council, along with £440 costs.
The court sentenced David Bingham, from St Neots, who was found guilty of five charges of benefit fraud in February 25. He made claims for housing and council tax benefits and job seekers allowance, saying he was unemployed. But he worked on a self-employed basis for a time in 2005 and 2006, earning between £300 and £600 a week. He was overpaid £1,800 in benefit.
Bingham, too, has made arrangements to repay the benefit he falsely claimed and must serve a 12-month community penalty and was ordered to do 40 hours of unpaid work and pay £440 costs to the council.
She has made arrangements to repay the council the benefit claimed and was merely given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £440 costs to the council.
Natalie Daniels was convicted of benefit fraud in her absence by Huntingdon magistrates, who heard she legitimately claimed benefits while on long-term sick leave from work. But she failed to inform the council when she returned to her job, and claimed £975 between August 2007 and May 2008. She was also given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay back the money they owed to the council, along with £440 costs.
The court sentenced David Bingham, from St Neots, who was found guilty of five charges of benefit fraud in February 25. He made claims for housing and council tax benefits and job seekers allowance, saying he was unemployed. But he worked on a self-employed basis for a time in 2005 and 2006, earning between £300 and £600 a week. He was overpaid £1,800 in benefit.
Bingham, too, has made arrangements to repay the benefit he falsely claimed and must serve a 12-month community penalty and was ordered to do 40 hours of unpaid work and pay £440 costs to the council.
Light sentence for £5k benefit fraud
A woman with savings of £16,000 fraudulently claimed benefits of £5,557.
Rebecca O'Keefe had made a claim for housing and Council Tax benefit in November 2007, declaring that she was a lone parent in part-time work with no savings. Her lawyer said she had made arrangements to repay the council the benefits overpaid.
The court ordered her to complete a 12 month community supervision order with the probation service and pay the council's costs of £440.
Rebecca O'Keefe had made a claim for housing and Council Tax benefit in November 2007, declaring that she was a lone parent in part-time work with no savings. Her lawyer said she had made arrangements to repay the council the benefits overpaid.
The court ordered her to complete a 12 month community supervision order with the probation service and pay the council's costs of £440.
- People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit fraudsters should also have to repay twice what tey've stolen and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.
Legal slowness delays confiscation order
Back in September 2007, Damien O’Keefe from Newtownbutler pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming Income Support and a rate rebate. He was sentenced to one year's imprisonment, suspended for two years, on 22 November 2007.
At a confiscation hearing on 3 April 2009 - seventeen months later - Dungannon Crown Court agreed that the loss to the department through the defendant’s criminal activity amounted to £58,043.97.
The Court granted a Confiscation Order in amount of £22,464.14 to allow for repayments already made by the defendant in relation to the fraudulently obtained funds. The Confiscation Order is to be satisfied by 30 September 2009.
At a confiscation hearing on 3 April 2009 - seventeen months later - Dungannon Crown Court agreed that the loss to the department through the defendant’s criminal activity amounted to £58,043.97.
The Court granted a Confiscation Order in amount of £22,464.14 to allow for repayments already made by the defendant in relation to the fraudulently obtained funds. The Confiscation Order is to be satisfied by 30 September 2009.
4 Apr 2009
Benefit cheat told to pay back £148k
Benefit fraudsters should have to repay twice what they've stolen and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have. So we are getting towards a just result here, though by a tortuous legal route.
A benefit cheat faces prison unless she hands over half the value of her home.
Janice Davies claimed £54,471 in housing benefit for the bungalow she and her husband Steven owned. The scam was uncovered after 12 years and she was ordered to pay back the cash. She was also told to pay another £94,000 - the value of half her home. With the benefit, it comes to a total of more than £148,000.
She will have to serve two years if she doesn't come up with the £94,000 within 12 months.
Davies, 60, of Wilton Paddock, Denton, invented a fictitious landlord, Mr P J Royle, to dishonestly pocket housing benefit.
Davies fraudulently claimed the cash between March 1995 and January 2007.
Her bogus claim was exposed when Tameside council checked on the ownership of properties where housing benefit was being paid directly to the claimant. (Shouldn't this be routine? It's a quick desktop search.)
Davies was charged with benefit fraud and pleaded guilty when she appeared in court in August. She was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison, suspended for two years with a 12-month supervision order.
She was also ordered to repay every penny of the housing benefit she claimed.
Now, she has been hit with a confiscation order for £94,000 after council chiefs took action to stop her profiting from her crime.
The confiscation order was granted under the Criminal Justice Act, which allows for the proceeds of a crime to be removed.
A judge at Manchester Crown Court decided that Davies had benefited by her half share of her home.
Her share was valued at £94,000.
When Davies answered the door at her home she said: "I can't believe what they are saying about me - they've got it all wrong.
"I've been told by my legal people not to comment."
Asked what she planned to do about the confiscation order Davies said: "It's not over."
Coun Joe Kitchen, Tameside council deputy leader, said: "This case should serve as a warning to anyone tempted to cheat or defraud the benefit system.
"As well as seeking to get back money overpaid, the council can take action to confiscate assets resulting from it."
A benefit cheat faces prison unless she hands over half the value of her home.
Janice Davies claimed £54,471 in housing benefit for the bungalow she and her husband Steven owned. The scam was uncovered after 12 years and she was ordered to pay back the cash. She was also told to pay another £94,000 - the value of half her home. With the benefit, it comes to a total of more than £148,000.
She will have to serve two years if she doesn't come up with the £94,000 within 12 months.
Davies, 60, of Wilton Paddock, Denton, invented a fictitious landlord, Mr P J Royle, to dishonestly pocket housing benefit.
Davies fraudulently claimed the cash between March 1995 and January 2007.
Her bogus claim was exposed when Tameside council checked on the ownership of properties where housing benefit was being paid directly to the claimant. (Shouldn't this be routine? It's a quick desktop search.)
Davies was charged with benefit fraud and pleaded guilty when she appeared in court in August. She was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison, suspended for two years with a 12-month supervision order.
She was also ordered to repay every penny of the housing benefit she claimed.
Now, she has been hit with a confiscation order for £94,000 after council chiefs took action to stop her profiting from her crime.
The confiscation order was granted under the Criminal Justice Act, which allows for the proceeds of a crime to be removed.
A judge at Manchester Crown Court decided that Davies had benefited by her half share of her home.
Her share was valued at £94,000.
When Davies answered the door at her home she said: "I can't believe what they are saying about me - they've got it all wrong.
"I've been told by my legal people not to comment."
Asked what she planned to do about the confiscation order Davies said: "It's not over."
Coun Joe Kitchen, Tameside council deputy leader, said: "This case should serve as a warning to anyone tempted to cheat or defraud the benefit system.
"As well as seeking to get back money overpaid, the council can take action to confiscate assets resulting from it."
3 Apr 2009
Judicial tolerance beggaring belief
This thief - who is not even a citizen - receives a light sentence for defrauding British taxpayers. There is no mention of paying the money back.
A failed asylum-seeker pocketed thousands of pounds in benefit he was not entitled to because he was working full-time.
Franck Mengoum received more than £18,000 in government support on the proviso he did not get a job.
But Mengoum used a bogus name to pick up work with a job agency without telling the authorities.
The Cameroon national came to the UK at the beginning of 2000 and his initial application for asylum failed.
But the 34-year-old was given a temporary admission order to stay in the country on condition he did not enter employment.
From March 2005 Mengoum was in full-time employment and he spent the majority of time working for the CooperVision chain of opticians
Between 2006 and 2008 he pocketed £18,320 in benefits while receiving a £26,000-per-year income.
He was arrested at his workplace in August 2008 and interviewed.
He admitted that he did not have permission to work in the country but claimed he knew the man whose name he used and had his permission to assume his identity - an additional crime.
At Portsmouth Crown Court Mengoum, of Lower Derby Road, Stamshaw, Portsmouth, was spared a prison sentence.
Instead he was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.
His barrister, William Ashworth, told the court that his client decided to get a job so he could provide support for his wife.
He said: 'His partner has a history of mental illness emanating from her time in South Africa.
'Through concern about her mental health Mr Mengoum went to work to provide money for her.' (No, he cheated his host taxpayers.)
Tony Smith, regional director for the UK Border Agency, said the case showed why the agency was in favour of identity cards for asylum-seekers.
'This case shows how effective identity cards will be in preventing immigration abuse,' he said.
'Individuals will be locked down to one identity through their facial image and fingerprints.
'Identity cards for foreign nationals will help us crack down on illegal working, as they will give employers a safe and secure way of checking a migrant's right to work and study in the UK.
'Any foreign nationals who try to use forged documents to obtain employment will find that, thanks to identity cards, they will be caught and placed before the courts even quicker than currently happens.' And then - what?
Mengoum admitted three counts of making a false statement in relation to benefit.
A failed asylum-seeker pocketed thousands of pounds in benefit he was not entitled to because he was working full-time.
Franck Mengoum received more than £18,000 in government support on the proviso he did not get a job.
But Mengoum used a bogus name to pick up work with a job agency without telling the authorities.
The Cameroon national came to the UK at the beginning of 2000 and his initial application for asylum failed.
But the 34-year-old was given a temporary admission order to stay in the country on condition he did not enter employment.
From March 2005 Mengoum was in full-time employment and he spent the majority of time working for the CooperVision chain of opticians
Between 2006 and 2008 he pocketed £18,320 in benefits while receiving a £26,000-per-year income.
He was arrested at his workplace in August 2008 and interviewed.
He admitted that he did not have permission to work in the country but claimed he knew the man whose name he used and had his permission to assume his identity - an additional crime.
At Portsmouth Crown Court Mengoum, of Lower Derby Road, Stamshaw, Portsmouth, was spared a prison sentence.
Instead he was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.
His barrister, William Ashworth, told the court that his client decided to get a job so he could provide support for his wife.
He said: 'His partner has a history of mental illness emanating from her time in South Africa.
'Through concern about her mental health Mr Mengoum went to work to provide money for her.' (No, he cheated his host taxpayers.)
Tony Smith, regional director for the UK Border Agency, said the case showed why the agency was in favour of identity cards for asylum-seekers.
'This case shows how effective identity cards will be in preventing immigration abuse,' he said.
'Individuals will be locked down to one identity through their facial image and fingerprints.
'Identity cards for foreign nationals will help us crack down on illegal working, as they will give employers a safe and secure way of checking a migrant's right to work and study in the UK.
'Any foreign nationals who try to use forged documents to obtain employment will find that, thanks to identity cards, they will be caught and placed before the courts even quicker than currently happens.' And then - what?
Mengoum admitted three counts of making a false statement in relation to benefit.
- People convicted of benefit fraud should have to repay twice the amount and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.
Light sentence for £1,200 benefit fraud
A woman has been convicted of failing to disclose her husband's new job in order to falsely claim more than £1,200 in benefits.
Tanya Wood, aged 28, of The Avenue, Kingsbury Episcopi, was caught out by South Somerset District Council after failing to notify it of a change in her circumstances.
Magistrates at Yeovil ordered her to reimburse the overpaid benefits, pay £175 in costs and serve a two-year conditional discharge after she admitted the offence.
Data matching by the council and the Government's Department of Work and Pensions helped uncover the fraud.
But where is the penalty? Pay it back, pay a trivial amount of costs, and a conditional discharge.
People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit fraudsters should also have to repay twice the amount and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.
Tanya Wood, aged 28, of The Avenue, Kingsbury Episcopi, was caught out by South Somerset District Council after failing to notify it of a change in her circumstances.
Magistrates at Yeovil ordered her to reimburse the overpaid benefits, pay £175 in costs and serve a two-year conditional discharge after she admitted the offence.
Data matching by the council and the Government's Department of Work and Pensions helped uncover the fraud.
But where is the penalty? Pay it back, pay a trivial amount of costs, and a conditional discharge.
People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit fraudsters should also have to repay twice the amount and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.
Data matching brings jail for £23k benefit fraud
A woman falsely claimed a string of benefits while working at a Mirfield factory, a court heard.
Fiona Douglas was sent to prison for six months after she admitted claiming £23,000 in payments over a two-year period.
And the sentence was followed by a council warning over benefit cheats.
Douglas, of Fartown, Huddersfield, claimed income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit while working 16 hours a week at the factory of bedding manufacturer John Cotton.
She pleaded guilty to two offences at Huddersfield Magistrates Court and was sentenced to six months for each offence, to be served concurrently.
Coun Kath Pinnock, deputy leader of Kirklees council, said: "This case once again shows that it doesn't pay to defraud the system.
"Benefit records are regularly checked against other records to ensure the council takes the necessary."
htp Dave
Fiona Douglas was sent to prison for six months after she admitted claiming £23,000 in payments over a two-year period.
And the sentence was followed by a council warning over benefit cheats.
Douglas, of Fartown, Huddersfield, claimed income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit while working 16 hours a week at the factory of bedding manufacturer John Cotton.
She pleaded guilty to two offences at Huddersfield Magistrates Court and was sentenced to six months for each offence, to be served concurrently.
Coun Kath Pinnock, deputy leader of Kirklees council, said: "This case once again shows that it doesn't pay to defraud the system.
"Benefit records are regularly checked against other records to ensure the council takes the necessary."
htp Dave
2 Apr 2009
Sad case of £19k benefits cheat
A benefits cheat who conned the system out of £19,000 would have been entitled to claim the cash legally if he had been honest.
William Rothwell, of Melrose Drive, Wigan, initially claimed income support legitimately, but when his wife began part-time work he did not tell the authorities about his change in circumstances.
His fraud came to light in 2007 by which time he had been overpaid by £19,132 over a four-year period. (Yet it took till 2009 to get to court.)
But a Liverpool Crown Court judge heard that if he had been honest he would have been entitled to tax credits estimated at about the same amount.
His barrister, Ben Jones, explained that his wife suffers from multiple sclerosis and was advised that part-time work would be beneficial for her.
She took a job at Sainsbury's and was a popular worker whose hours increased, but her husband did not reveal that she was working.
She sat in court in a wheelchair during the hearing and Mr Jones said that Rothwell is her carer and has to assist her with various tasks.
The couple have considerable debts and are currently having adaptations carried out to their home because of her deteriorating condition.
Judge Nigel Gilmour QC sentenced 57-year-old Rothwell to six months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and ordered him to carry out 150 hours unpaid work.
"Over about four years you defrauded the social service system in this country.
"You were accepting money you knew perfectly well you were not entitled to."
He told Rothwell that the unpaid hours work order would have been longer but his responsibilities caring for his wife had been taken into account by the court.
Rothwell, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change in circumstances.
William Rothwell, of Melrose Drive, Wigan, initially claimed income support legitimately, but when his wife began part-time work he did not tell the authorities about his change in circumstances.
His fraud came to light in 2007 by which time he had been overpaid by £19,132 over a four-year period. (Yet it took till 2009 to get to court.)
But a Liverpool Crown Court judge heard that if he had been honest he would have been entitled to tax credits estimated at about the same amount.
His barrister, Ben Jones, explained that his wife suffers from multiple sclerosis and was advised that part-time work would be beneficial for her.
She took a job at Sainsbury's and was a popular worker whose hours increased, but her husband did not reveal that she was working.
She sat in court in a wheelchair during the hearing and Mr Jones said that Rothwell is her carer and has to assist her with various tasks.
The couple have considerable debts and are currently having adaptations carried out to their home because of her deteriorating condition.
Judge Nigel Gilmour QC sentenced 57-year-old Rothwell to six months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and ordered him to carry out 150 hours unpaid work.
"Over about four years you defrauded the social service system in this country.
"You were accepting money you knew perfectly well you were not entitled to."
He told Rothwell that the unpaid hours work order would have been longer but his responsibilities caring for his wife had been taken into account by the court.
Rothwell, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change in circumstances.
And we continue to pay her
At least this recidivist has found herself jailed for her £4,000 re-offending. But she has taken taxpayers and the authorities for fools.
People convicted of benefit fraud should have to repay twice the amount and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.
A serial woman fraudster from Fishersgate was sentenced to three months in jail for committing benefit fraud when she appeared for sentencing at Worthing Magistrates Court on Monday 30 March.
Ruth Mavor, 56, of 11 Old Mill Close had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and not guilty to two. She was found guilty on all charges after fraudulently claiming over £4,000 in housing and council tax benefits. On her release from prison she will have to pay costs to the council of £500.
When sentencing the Magistrates stated: “There are four offences of falsely furnishing documents to which you pleaded guilty and two further offences of which you were convicted of at trial - they are very serious - the offences are definitely not victimless, all the council taxpayers of Adur are victims. The offences are so serious that they can only be dealt with by a custodial sentence. You have become a serial fraudster - the offences were premeditated, planned, deliberate, sustained and without conscience.”
Ms Mavor pleaded guilty to failing to inform Adur Council of a Co-operative bank account she had when she was claiming benefit from March 2007 to November 2007. She also failed to tell the council she was working at the Old Tollgate Restaurant in Bramber from 20 September 2007 to 31 December 2007.
Ms Mavor also knowingly failed to tell the council that she had taken out a joint tenancy agreement at 4 Stable View, Freshbrook, Lancing for six months from 16 January 2008, even though she was an Adur Council tenant at Old Mill Close. If the council had known about her change in circumstances her benefits would have been stopped and reassessed.
The case initially went to trial on 13 February and the second part was heard on 5 March.
Ms Mavor has a history of previous convictions for similar offences and was found guilty of fraud in 2004 and 2007.
In 2004 she pleaded guilty to failing to notify the council she was receiving Working Family Tax Credit and that she was working. She received a community rehabilitation order for two years for this offence.
In 2007 she pleaded guilty to three more offences of failing to tell the council she was working and a further offence of failing to tell the council she had paying lodgers living with her. She was given 120 Community Service for this offence.
Cabinet member for improved customer services, Julie Searle said: “This woman has either not learnt her lesson from her previous convictions or has absolutely no conscience about committing benefit fraud. She has shown a total disregard for ordinary tax payers by her greed, which is completely unacceptable.”
“Adur District Council maintains a policy of prosecuting cases of benefit fraud and will vigorously pursue allegations of abuse of the benefits system.”
htp Dave
People convicted of benefit fraud should have to repay twice the amount and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.
A serial woman fraudster from Fishersgate was sentenced to three months in jail for committing benefit fraud when she appeared for sentencing at Worthing Magistrates Court on Monday 30 March.
Ruth Mavor, 56, of 11 Old Mill Close had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and not guilty to two. She was found guilty on all charges after fraudulently claiming over £4,000 in housing and council tax benefits. On her release from prison she will have to pay costs to the council of £500.
When sentencing the Magistrates stated: “There are four offences of falsely furnishing documents to which you pleaded guilty and two further offences of which you were convicted of at trial - they are very serious - the offences are definitely not victimless, all the council taxpayers of Adur are victims. The offences are so serious that they can only be dealt with by a custodial sentence. You have become a serial fraudster - the offences were premeditated, planned, deliberate, sustained and without conscience.”
Ms Mavor pleaded guilty to failing to inform Adur Council of a Co-operative bank account she had when she was claiming benefit from March 2007 to November 2007. She also failed to tell the council she was working at the Old Tollgate Restaurant in Bramber from 20 September 2007 to 31 December 2007.
Ms Mavor also knowingly failed to tell the council that she had taken out a joint tenancy agreement at 4 Stable View, Freshbrook, Lancing for six months from 16 January 2008, even though she was an Adur Council tenant at Old Mill Close. If the council had known about her change in circumstances her benefits would have been stopped and reassessed.
The case initially went to trial on 13 February and the second part was heard on 5 March.
Ms Mavor has a history of previous convictions for similar offences and was found guilty of fraud in 2004 and 2007.
In 2004 she pleaded guilty to failing to notify the council she was receiving Working Family Tax Credit and that she was working. She received a community rehabilitation order for two years for this offence.
In 2007 she pleaded guilty to three more offences of failing to tell the council she was working and a further offence of failing to tell the council she had paying lodgers living with her. She was given 120 Community Service for this offence.
Cabinet member for improved customer services, Julie Searle said: “This woman has either not learnt her lesson from her previous convictions or has absolutely no conscience about committing benefit fraud. She has shown a total disregard for ordinary tax payers by her greed, which is completely unacceptable.”
“Adur District Council maintains a policy of prosecuting cases of benefit fraud and will vigorously pursue allegations of abuse of the benefits system.”
htp Dave
1 Apr 2009
Probation for £6k benefit fraud
This report doesn't tell us why Mr Rosenthall appeared in court in 2009 for an offence which finished in 2003. Nor does it tell us why the sentence was just probation.
A benefit fraudster who cheated the taxpayer out of more than £6,000 has appeared before York magistrates.
Robert Rosenthall claimed three different state benefits on the grounds that he was not working and had no other income.
But he was charged with working at various periods between June 2002 and September 2003, and not telling benefit officials.
Rosenthall, 46, who was summonsed under an address in Saxon Place, off Malton Road, York, pleaded guilty to benefit fraud and was given 12 months’ probation.
He was prosecuted following a joint investigation between City of York Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.
A council spokesman said Rosenthall’s fraudulent claims led to him receiving £1,356.51 in housing benefit and council tax benefit he was not entitled to and £4,766.90 in income support he was not entitled to.
A benefit fraudster who cheated the taxpayer out of more than £6,000 has appeared before York magistrates.
Robert Rosenthall claimed three different state benefits on the grounds that he was not working and had no other income.
But he was charged with working at various periods between June 2002 and September 2003, and not telling benefit officials.
Rosenthall, 46, who was summonsed under an address in Saxon Place, off Malton Road, York, pleaded guilty to benefit fraud and was given 12 months’ probation.
He was prosecuted following a joint investigation between City of York Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.
A council spokesman said Rosenthall’s fraudulent claims led to him receiving £1,356.51 in housing benefit and council tax benefit he was not entitled to and £4,766.90 in income support he was not entitled to.
- People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work. Benefit fraudsters should also have to repay twice the amount and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.
Two-year benefit cheat escapes jail
A serial benefits cheat was overpaid almost £4500 in Disability Living Allowance during a two-year long swindle.
Perth Sheriff Court was told that 48-year-old James Delaney, who has been in continuous receipt of benefit for more than 10 years, claimed he could walk only a few yards with the aid of a stick – and also suffered dizzy spells.
But during part of the time he had two jobs.
He was working as a delivery driver at a Perth take-away and was also driving an ice cream van.
Delaney, of Shielhill Place, Stanley, narrowly escaped prison on Wednesday.
Instead, he was ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service – a direct alternative to a jail term.
The court was told that he is repaying the cash at the rate of £20 a month from his current benefits.
But it will take him around 18 years before he clears the amount.
He pled guilty to failing to promptly notify officials of a change in his circumstances which he knew would affect his benefit entitlement.
During the period July 26, 2006-June 24, 2008, he was overpaid a total of £4461.90p.
Depute fiscal Janine Bates told the court that the accused had been in continuous receipt of benefit since September 3, 1998. He is married but has no dependent children.
“On September 3, 1998, the accused claimed Disability Living Allowance after declaring, among other things, he suffered from angina, hardening of the arteries in his leg and could walk only 50 yards in eight minutes, with the aid of a walking stick.”
A medical report was obtained and confirmed the accused’s mobility was restricted.
On June 13, 2006, the accused again claimed Disability Living Allowance, declaring he could walk only 10 metres using a stick – and also suffered dizzy spells.
“His Disability Living Allowance was determined on the basis of the information supplied and he was offered benefit at the higher rate,” she added.
“Persons in receipt of state benefit receive an information leaflet stating that they must report any changes to their health to the Department of Work and Pensions, whether an improvement or worsening conditions.”
An anonymous telephone call was received on March 19 last year indicating that the accused was a delivery driver for a take-away in Perth and also worked as a driver on an ice cream van.
“Various checks were carried out and on July 10, 2008, the accused was visited at his home address,” stated the depute fiscal.
“He admitted his health and mobility had improved and had started work for the take-away on July 20, 2006.
“He confirmed he no longer required assistance or used a walking stick.”
Solicitor Cliff Culley confirmed that the accused had co-operated with the authorities and had set up a standing order to repay the cash at £20 a month.
He had spoken to the JobCentre in relation to the hours of his new employment but should have contacted the department dealing with his Mobility Living Allowance.
Passing sentence, Sheriff Michael Fletcher told Delaney, who had no trouble walking into the dock: “There is considerable public concern about the misuse of Disability Living Allowance.
“In this case, almost £4500 was involved and for that reason you put your liberty at serious risk.”
He took into account, however, the accused’s age, the fact he had never been in trouble before and he was repaying the cash.
Perth Sheriff Court was told that 48-year-old James Delaney, who has been in continuous receipt of benefit for more than 10 years, claimed he could walk only a few yards with the aid of a stick – and also suffered dizzy spells.
But during part of the time he had two jobs.
He was working as a delivery driver at a Perth take-away and was also driving an ice cream van.
Delaney, of Shielhill Place, Stanley, narrowly escaped prison on Wednesday.
Instead, he was ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service – a direct alternative to a jail term.
The court was told that he is repaying the cash at the rate of £20 a month from his current benefits.
But it will take him around 18 years before he clears the amount.
He pled guilty to failing to promptly notify officials of a change in his circumstances which he knew would affect his benefit entitlement.
During the period July 26, 2006-June 24, 2008, he was overpaid a total of £4461.90p.
Depute fiscal Janine Bates told the court that the accused had been in continuous receipt of benefit since September 3, 1998. He is married but has no dependent children.
“On September 3, 1998, the accused claimed Disability Living Allowance after declaring, among other things, he suffered from angina, hardening of the arteries in his leg and could walk only 50 yards in eight minutes, with the aid of a walking stick.”
A medical report was obtained and confirmed the accused’s mobility was restricted.
On June 13, 2006, the accused again claimed Disability Living Allowance, declaring he could walk only 10 metres using a stick – and also suffered dizzy spells.
“His Disability Living Allowance was determined on the basis of the information supplied and he was offered benefit at the higher rate,” she added.
“Persons in receipt of state benefit receive an information leaflet stating that they must report any changes to their health to the Department of Work and Pensions, whether an improvement or worsening conditions.”
An anonymous telephone call was received on March 19 last year indicating that the accused was a delivery driver for a take-away in Perth and also worked as a driver on an ice cream van.
“Various checks were carried out and on July 10, 2008, the accused was visited at his home address,” stated the depute fiscal.
“He admitted his health and mobility had improved and had started work for the take-away on July 20, 2006.
“He confirmed he no longer required assistance or used a walking stick.”
Solicitor Cliff Culley confirmed that the accused had co-operated with the authorities and had set up a standing order to repay the cash at £20 a month.
He had spoken to the JobCentre in relation to the hours of his new employment but should have contacted the department dealing with his Mobility Living Allowance.
Passing sentence, Sheriff Michael Fletcher told Delaney, who had no trouble walking into the dock: “There is considerable public concern about the misuse of Disability Living Allowance.
“In this case, almost £4500 was involved and for that reason you put your liberty at serious risk.”
He took into account, however, the accused’s age, the fact he had never been in trouble before and he was repaying the cash.
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