Gordon Stewart, from Workington, pleaded guilty to failing to inform Allerdale council of his true income when he appeared at West Allerdale Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard how Stewart stated on a benefit application form in October 2006 that his only sources of income were incapacity benefit, carers allowance and disability living allowance. As a result of this information he was awarded housing and council tax benefits.
But, following investigations, it was revealed that he had been receiving an occupational pension since March 1993 and the payment was still continuing.
Because the income had not been declared to the council, Stewart was interviewed under caution by the authority’s benefit fraud officers on May 6 and August 4, 2009. (Take it nice and slow, guys.)
During the interviews, he confirmed that he was in receipt of an occupational pension and that he failed to declare the bank account into which the pension was paid. He also told the officers that his wife was working at town-centre shop Bywise.
The council has made arrangements to recover the money – £9,861.53 in housing and council tax benefits.
Stewart was given a community order, requiring him to be under supervision for 12 months, given a four-month curfew between 8pm and 8am and ordered to pay £100 court costs.
He is also required to attend a 24 session alcohol treatment programme.
- These people do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
Everyone convicted of benefit fraud who doesn't go to prison 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. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
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