Previous Barwell cases are here and here.
For more than two years a Barwell man claimed he was too ill to work and received over £22,000 in benefits - but all the time he had a full-time job with Morrisons in Hinckley.
Leicester magistrates were told that Paul Chavez (previously Bodycote) (42) received a total of £22,384 in Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Incapacity Benefit, while claiming that he was too ill to work and was unable to support himself financially.
Each time his claim was reviewed during a two-and-a-half year period, Chavez maintained that he was too sick to work and that apart from his Incapacity Benefit he had no income.
However, a fraud investigation by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Jobcentre Plus revealed that for two-and-a-half years from December 2007, Chavez had a permanent full-time job with Morrisons and was working up to 39 hours a week.
When confronted by the evidence of his fraudulent claims, Chavez failed to attend any of his interviews under caution and flatly refused to co-operate with investigation officers.
When he appeared in court, Chavez admitted two counts of dishonestly making false representations to the council and Jobcentre Plus and a further two counts of dishonestly failing to disclose information about his true circumstances.
In sentencing Chavez to a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, the magistrates said that he narrowly avoided immediate custody for a sustained and deliberate fraud against the benefit system.
The magistrates also ordered him to undertake a supervision order, in addition to repaying all of the benefit money he has fraudulently obtained.
Speaking after the case, Claire Webber, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Fraud Team Leader said: “This is a case where Mr Chavez worked full time for over two years, picking up a decent salary while all the time receiving benefits because he was claiming to be too sick to work. His claims only came to an end when his fraud was discovered.”
Another light sentence for a Barwell resident. This man didn't co-operate at all but he has avoided prison and community service.
29 Jul 2011
28 Jul 2011
Benefit claimant in court over undeclared divorce cash
A mother who failed to declare a £40,000 divorce payment and continued claiming benefits has been convicted of benefit fraud.
Kim Mason, 36, from Rush Green, got the settlement in 2003 and kept it in an account in her name, held on behalf of her daughter. Since moving to the privately rented property in January 2003 she had been claiming council tax and housing benefit based on her entitlement to income support. The £40,000 sum should have been declared on her benefits claims form.
Barking and Dagenham Council’s benefit fraud team started an investigation after receiving an anonymous tip-off in 2008. Mason was interviewed under caution and said she was holding the money on behalf of her daughter. However, an independent tribunal found that she had a beneficial interest in the capital sum, meaning it should have been declared.
After several adjourned court hearings a trial was held at Basildon Crown Court on 15 May 2011. Mason pleaded not guilty but was convicted by the jury after a three day trial. She was convicted of two counts of dishonestly failing to report a change of circumstances - one to claim income support from the Department for Work and Pensions and the other relating to housing benefit from Barking and Dagenham Council.
The total loss to the public purse was £38,906, spread between September 2003 and November 2006. This is broken down as £13,149 of income support, £23,453.93 of housing benefit and £2,303.48 of council tax benefit.
On 4 July, again at Basildon, she was sentenced to a six month custodial sentence suspended for a year. She was given a three month tagged curfew order requiring her to be at home between 8pm and 7am (10pm on Wednesdays).
Cllr Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, said: “For the benefit system to work fairly, it’s important that everyone who applies makes a full and honest declaration of their means. If any sum of money is kept secret it is highly likely that this constitutes benefit fraud, which is a criminal offence.
Kim Mason, 36, from Rush Green, got the settlement in 2003 and kept it in an account in her name, held on behalf of her daughter. Since moving to the privately rented property in January 2003 she had been claiming council tax and housing benefit based on her entitlement to income support. The £40,000 sum should have been declared on her benefits claims form.
Barking and Dagenham Council’s benefit fraud team started an investigation after receiving an anonymous tip-off in 2008. Mason was interviewed under caution and said she was holding the money on behalf of her daughter. However, an independent tribunal found that she had a beneficial interest in the capital sum, meaning it should have been declared.
After several adjourned court hearings a trial was held at Basildon Crown Court on 15 May 2011. Mason pleaded not guilty but was convicted by the jury after a three day trial. She was convicted of two counts of dishonestly failing to report a change of circumstances - one to claim income support from the Department for Work and Pensions and the other relating to housing benefit from Barking and Dagenham Council.
The total loss to the public purse was £38,906, spread between September 2003 and November 2006. This is broken down as £13,149 of income support, £23,453.93 of housing benefit and £2,303.48 of council tax benefit.
On 4 July, again at Basildon, she was sentenced to a six month custodial sentence suspended for a year. She was given a three month tagged curfew order requiring her to be at home between 8pm and 7am (10pm on Wednesdays).
Cllr Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, said: “For the benefit system to work fairly, it’s important that everyone who applies makes a full and honest declaration of their means. If any sum of money is kept secret it is highly likely that this constitutes benefit fraud, which is a criminal offence.
27 Jul 2011
Light sentence for tax credits thief
A Stockton-on-Tees woman investigated for a £40,000 tax credits fraud claimed to be single even though her live-in partner was present at the time of her arrest.
Angela Richards, 31, of Billingham, claimed that she was working 30 hours a week at a local bookmaker’s but hadn’t worked there since May 2008. She lied about her childcare costs making multiple calls to HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) tax credits helpline, which she admitted were made to ‘add credibility’ to her claim.
Between 2008 and 2010, mother of four, Richards claimed £40,781 she was not entitled to. She regularly made changes to her income, hours and childcare costs, at one point claiming her childcare was £405 per week. Although cohabiting with her partner, Richards claimed as a single person, maintaining at interview that they had separated even though her partner was present at her home at the time of her arrest.
Mike O’Grady, Assistant Director for HM Revenue & Customs, said:
Angela Richards, 31, of Billingham, claimed that she was working 30 hours a week at a local bookmaker’s but hadn’t worked there since May 2008. She lied about her childcare costs making multiple calls to HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) tax credits helpline, which she admitted were made to ‘add credibility’ to her claim.
Between 2008 and 2010, mother of four, Richards claimed £40,781 she was not entitled to. She regularly made changes to her income, hours and childcare costs, at one point claiming her childcare was £405 per week. Although cohabiting with her partner, Richards claimed as a single person, maintaining at interview that they had separated even though her partner was present at her home at the time of her arrest.
Mike O’Grady, Assistant Director for HM Revenue & Customs, said:
Angela Richards’ deception was far reaching and determined. She called the tax credits helpline more than 50 times over a two year period, reporting minor changes to her circumstances. In reality the details of her claim were a pack of lies.Richards was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months and issued with a 12 month supervision order at Teesside Crown Court after pleading guilty to tax credits fraud at a previous hearing.
HMRC is determined to crack down on the small minority of tax credits claimants who deliberately commit fraud. We will not hesitate to identify and investigate these individuals who set out to cheat the system and the majority of our customers who are honest and claim only what they are entitled to.
HMRC calltaker was able to fiddle tax credits system
A tax office worker who hijacked a woman's identity and invented four children to fraudulently claim £90,000 in benefits has been jailed.
Emily Barrass, a call centre adviser at tax offices in Dundee, began claiming a stranger's benefits after moving into her former home in Arbroath.
She added two children to Susan Lindsay's claim and two to another woman's claim before she was caught.
Barrass, 39, pleaded guilty to the charges and was jailed for two years.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard she began working at Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HRMC) office in Dundee in March 2004 and moved into Miss Lindsay's home a year later.
Miss Lindsay, who was unknown to Barrass, had a live claim for tax credits which were being paid into her bank account.
She advised HRMC that she was emigrating to the US, but payments continued to be made.
Barrass, from Carnoustie in Angus, then amended Miss Lindsay's file to claim a higher rate of child tax credit - and changed her bank details twice.
The court was told she also updated the telephone contact history on Miss Lindsay's file to indicate she had processed a call from her and removed the bank account details.
Over a three-year period, she updated the account to claim Miss Lindsay had informed her of two children being born, increasing the payment amounts.
Suspicions were raised in 2009 over Miss Lindsay's account and Barrass's involvement, and an investigation was launched.
Fiscal depute Vicki Bell told the court the fraud on Miss Lindsay's account amounted to £77,401.
In 2009, Barrass had also accessed the tax credit account of the former partner of a relative and amended the account to make payments into Susan Lindsay's Post Office account.
Two more fictional child were added to this claim.
That fraud ran in to May 2010, with Barrass obtaining a further £15,493 over a 15-month period. The court was told the total amount received by Barrass was £92,589.
Barrass pleaded guilty to two charges of repeatedly accessing and amending tax credit claims in the name of two women between 2005 and 2009.
Defence lawyer Joseph Myles said the fraud had started because Barrass, who now works as a slimming consultant, was struggling with household bills.
He said: "Her children knew nothing of her conduct or her appearance in court until she pleaded guilty and told them what she had done and the likely consequences."
Sheriff Alistair Duff told Barrass she had committed "very serious offences":
Emily Barrass, a call centre adviser at tax offices in Dundee, began claiming a stranger's benefits after moving into her former home in Arbroath.
She added two children to Susan Lindsay's claim and two to another woman's claim before she was caught.
Barrass, 39, pleaded guilty to the charges and was jailed for two years.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard she began working at Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HRMC) office in Dundee in March 2004 and moved into Miss Lindsay's home a year later.
Miss Lindsay, who was unknown to Barrass, had a live claim for tax credits which were being paid into her bank account.
She advised HRMC that she was emigrating to the US, but payments continued to be made.
Barrass, from Carnoustie in Angus, then amended Miss Lindsay's file to claim a higher rate of child tax credit - and changed her bank details twice.
The court was told she also updated the telephone contact history on Miss Lindsay's file to indicate she had processed a call from her and removed the bank account details.
Over a three-year period, she updated the account to claim Miss Lindsay had informed her of two children being born, increasing the payment amounts.
Suspicions were raised in 2009 over Miss Lindsay's account and Barrass's involvement, and an investigation was launched.
Fiscal depute Vicki Bell told the court the fraud on Miss Lindsay's account amounted to £77,401.
In 2009, Barrass had also accessed the tax credit account of the former partner of a relative and amended the account to make payments into Susan Lindsay's Post Office account.
Two more fictional child were added to this claim.
That fraud ran in to May 2010, with Barrass obtaining a further £15,493 over a 15-month period. The court was told the total amount received by Barrass was £92,589.
Barrass pleaded guilty to two charges of repeatedly accessing and amending tax credit claims in the name of two women between 2005 and 2009.
Defence lawyer Joseph Myles said the fraud had started because Barrass, who now works as a slimming consultant, was struggling with household bills.
He said: "Her children knew nothing of her conduct or her appearance in court until she pleaded guilty and told them what she had done and the likely consequences."
Sheriff Alistair Duff told Barrass she had committed "very serious offences":
You obtained a total of more than £90,000 as a result of your participation in these crimes and that puts this case in a situation where only a custodial sentence is appropriate. There are not significant mitigating circumstances in my view.
You were short of money with a number of children and times would be difficult as they are for most people. However, most people don't resort to dishonesty.
It was made worse by the element of breach of trust.
26 Jul 2011
Updated figures for ESA tests
Only 7% of people claiming sickness benefits were unable to do any sort of work, new figures have shown.
New claimants for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) must undergo tests to see if they are capable of some sort of employment.
Of 1.3 million people tested between October 2008 and November 2010, some 88,700 were considered unfit for any work.
The DWP has released the results from 1.3 million tests over a period of more than two years which showed:
Eh? Among 1.3 million, some will be workshy. But the select committee seems to think it's not nice to speak this truth.
Come out of your cocoon. Remember, 36% dropped out of the application process and a further 39% were moved onto JSA.
New claimants for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) must undergo tests to see if they are capable of some sort of employment.
Of 1.3 million people tested between October 2008 and November 2010, some 88,700 were considered unfit for any work.
The DWP has released the results from 1.3 million tests over a period of more than two years which showed:
- 7% were incapable of any work
- 17% were able to do some sort of work given the correct support
- 39% were deemed to be fit for work and were moved onto jobseeker's allowance (JSA)
- 36% dropped out of the application process
- 1% of applications were still in progress
We are continuously improving the medical test to ensure that it is as fair and effective as possible.The select committee was critical of the "irresponsible and inaccurate" media coverage of the issue which labelled some benefit claimants as "workshy".
Eh? Among 1.3 million, some will be workshy. But the select committee seems to think it's not nice to speak this truth.
Come out of your cocoon. Remember, 36% dropped out of the application process and a further 39% were moved onto JSA.
£66k benefit thief jailed, has repaid £120
A man who fraudulently claimed more than £66,000 in benefits has been jailed.
Roger Walker, 61, from Sprowston, appeared at Norwich Crown Court having previously pleaded guilty to 14 counts of benefit fraud.
David Hewitt, prosecuting, said the fraud related to Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) and housing and council tax benefit, which was claimed as a result of him failing to give notice of circumstances, namely that he was married and he and his wife worked, took place between 1999 and 2009.
He said: “The defendant claimed for and was in receipt of JSA together with housing and council tax benefit and, having made the claims, failed to disclose that he received a lump sum pension together with a monthly pension thereafter and failed to disclose material facts that he was married, and worked and that his wife worked.”
Mr Hewitt said Walker, who worked in a number of jobs from 2002, including as a delivery driver for Evening News publisher Archant, had dishonestly claimed a total of £66,200 by way of JSA and housing and council tax benefit.
He added Hewitt, who was arrested in April last year, has so far repaid a total of £120.
Michael Clare, mitigating, said he was a man of previous “good character” and asked for discount for that. He said: “The defendant knows the likely outcome is immediate custody and has been doing his best to steel himself or that. He’s not in the best of health.”
Mr Clare, who revealed his Ukranian wife had married him to achieve citizenship of the UK and had since “decamped”, added: “He hasn’t come bleating to me saying I can’t go to prison because I have this. It’s not that sort of thing. He’s here and he’s steeling himself to face the music.”
Walker was jailed for eight months and will serve half of his sentence.
Roger Walker, 61, from Sprowston, appeared at Norwich Crown Court having previously pleaded guilty to 14 counts of benefit fraud.
David Hewitt, prosecuting, said the fraud related to Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) and housing and council tax benefit, which was claimed as a result of him failing to give notice of circumstances, namely that he was married and he and his wife worked, took place between 1999 and 2009.
He said: “The defendant claimed for and was in receipt of JSA together with housing and council tax benefit and, having made the claims, failed to disclose that he received a lump sum pension together with a monthly pension thereafter and failed to disclose material facts that he was married, and worked and that his wife worked.”
Mr Hewitt said Walker, who worked in a number of jobs from 2002, including as a delivery driver for Evening News publisher Archant, had dishonestly claimed a total of £66,200 by way of JSA and housing and council tax benefit.
He added Hewitt, who was arrested in April last year, has so far repaid a total of £120.
Michael Clare, mitigating, said he was a man of previous “good character” and asked for discount for that. He said: “The defendant knows the likely outcome is immediate custody and has been doing his best to steel himself or that. He’s not in the best of health.”
Mr Clare, who revealed his Ukranian wife had married him to achieve citizenship of the UK and had since “decamped”, added: “He hasn’t come bleating to me saying I can’t go to prison because I have this. It’s not that sort of thing. He’s here and he’s steeling himself to face the music.”
Walker was jailed for eight months and will serve half of his sentence.
25 Jul 2011
Councillor awaits sentence for £43k benefit fraud
A DISGRACED councillor was last night facing jail after being convicted of a £43,000 benefits fraud.
Cheating John Holden, 63, raked in the handouts after falsely claiming he lived alone and had no earnings or savings.
But a 13-day trial heard Mary Ewen - whom he later married - stayed with him for long periods.
Holden also saved £200,000 during the six-year fraud, and for the last few months earned around £16,000 after winning a seat on Highland Council.
His lawyer told Inverness Sheriff Court any wrongdoing was through "oversight, complacency, or laziness".
But Sheriff Ian Abercrombie - finding Holden guilty of all charges - said: "My overall assessment is that the Crown has established the case against you beyond reasonable doubt."
Holden's son had earlier branded his dad a liar in court after asking to give evidence.
Sean Holden, 39, took the unusual step of contacting the Procurator Fiscal halfway through his father's trial to take the stand as a prosecution witness.
He said Labour Inverness councillor Holden had lived with Mary Ewen since 1999 - with the false claims made between 2002 and 2007. And he denied claims he paid £65,000 into Holden's bank account in 2004 without him knowing - saying his father was well aware.
Holden falsely claimed £34,000 income support, council tax benefit of £6,925.24 and single occupancy allowance of more than £2,309.73.
And depute fiscal Ian Smith yesterday served a proceeds of crime order on Holden in a bid to claw back the tax-payers' cash. A hearing has been set for September 9.
Holden, who had no previous convictions, was bailed as Sheriff Abercrombie deferred sentence until August 11.
Last night Highland Council Convener Sandy Park hinted Holden - elected in 2007 - faces losing his job.
He said: "These are obviously very serious charges he has been found guilty of.
"It is now up to the court to decided how he is sentenced. His service as a councillor will depend on the sentence."
Cheating John Holden, 63, raked in the handouts after falsely claiming he lived alone and had no earnings or savings.
But a 13-day trial heard Mary Ewen - whom he later married - stayed with him for long periods.
Holden also saved £200,000 during the six-year fraud, and for the last few months earned around £16,000 after winning a seat on Highland Council.
His lawyer told Inverness Sheriff Court any wrongdoing was through "oversight, complacency, or laziness".
But Sheriff Ian Abercrombie - finding Holden guilty of all charges - said: "My overall assessment is that the Crown has established the case against you beyond reasonable doubt."
Holden's son had earlier branded his dad a liar in court after asking to give evidence.
Sean Holden, 39, took the unusual step of contacting the Procurator Fiscal halfway through his father's trial to take the stand as a prosecution witness.
He said Labour Inverness councillor Holden had lived with Mary Ewen since 1999 - with the false claims made between 2002 and 2007. And he denied claims he paid £65,000 into Holden's bank account in 2004 without him knowing - saying his father was well aware.
Holden falsely claimed £34,000 income support, council tax benefit of £6,925.24 and single occupancy allowance of more than £2,309.73.
And depute fiscal Ian Smith yesterday served a proceeds of crime order on Holden in a bid to claw back the tax-payers' cash. A hearing has been set for September 9.
Holden, who had no previous convictions, was bailed as Sheriff Abercrombie deferred sentence until August 11.
Last night Highland Council Convener Sandy Park hinted Holden - elected in 2007 - faces losing his job.
He said: "These are obviously very serious charges he has been found guilty of.
"It is now up to the court to decided how he is sentenced. His service as a councillor will depend on the sentence."
22 Jul 2011
Light sentence for benefit fraud
A Watford resident has been successfully prosecuted by Watford Borough Council for making false benefit claims.
Mr Ronald Marr continued to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit after he failed to disclose to the council that he was in employment.
On 4 March 2010 Mr Marr was interviewed under caution by Watford Borough Council Investigation Officers.
On 15 July 2011 Mr Marr appeared at Watford Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to dishonestly making a representation which he knew to be a false claim. The overpaid benefit amounted to £8,674.
Credit was given to Mr Marr for his early guilty plea and he was fined £400, reduced from £600, costs of £350 to Watford Borough Council and a £15 victim surcharge. He also has to repay all the overpaid benefit to the council.
Mr Ronald Marr continued to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit after he failed to disclose to the council that he was in employment.
On 4 March 2010 Mr Marr was interviewed under caution by Watford Borough Council Investigation Officers.
On 15 July 2011 Mr Marr appeared at Watford Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to dishonestly making a representation which he knew to be a false claim. The overpaid benefit amounted to £8,674.
Credit was given to Mr Marr for his early guilty plea and he was fined £400, reduced from £600, costs of £350 to Watford Borough Council and a £15 victim surcharge. He also has to repay all the overpaid benefit to the council.
- 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.
21 Jul 2011
Yet another benefit fraud mother jailed
A mother has been jailed for fraudulently claiming £62,000 in benefits - while working as a glamour model.
Blonde Clare Evans, 32, claimed she was jobless but was raking up to £800-a-month by posing on saucy websites.
At the same time she was claiming a variety of income support, housing benefit and council tax handouts - totalling £62,747 over six years.
She was finally caught when suspicious council officials noticed a sparkling new Audi TT sports car parked on her driveway.
Evans was jailed for ten months at Bristol Crown Court after admitting a string of benefit fraud charges.
The hearing was told that she already has one previous conviction for benefit fraud dating back to 2008.
Yet she still got away with £62,000 over six years. Indeed, this fraud was already happening at the time of her previous conviction.
Evans, who is four months pregnant with her third child, wept uncontrollably as she was sent to the cells.
Good
But Judge Martin Picton told her: 'This is £62,000 stolen from the community by someone with a previous conviction for benefit fraud. That crime outweighs any sympathy.
'This was a vast sum of money in benefit fraud terms. Ten months is about as merciful as I can be.'
Evans, of Pill, near Bristol, began claiming benefits legitimately in 2001 but failed to notify the authorities when she started working as a model in 2004, the court heard.
Anjali Gohil, prosecuting, said: 'Your honour will know that since at least 2001 the defendant has been claiming benefits - but it will be seen that the charges are since 2004.
'In effect Miss Evans was working as a glamour model and thereafter received £200 to £800 per calendar month, depending on which website her shots were displayed.'
In October 2009 officials from South Gloucestershire Council noticed an Audi TT on the driveway of her home and found the vehicle - which costs up to £40,000 - was registered to her.
They launched an investigation with the Department of Work and Pensions, unearthing illegal benefit payments totalling £62,747 paid to her since 2004.
Evans - who already has a son aged 14 and a daughter aged 15 months - claimed that her friends, family and boyfriend had been paying cash into her account to help her out.
Last month she pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to notify a change in circumstances affecting the payment of benefits, and eight of making false statements to obtain benefits.
Tabitha Macfarlane, defending, told the court that Evans has now enrolled in a college course to become a children's nurse.
She said: 'From the outset she has been incredibly sorry for what she has done. She is a woman who is trying to better herself considerably from her previous profession.'
The court heard that Evans had previously been convicted for benefit fraud in 2008, for which she was given a community order.
Presumably she's now supposed to repay £62,000, but we won't hold our breath.
Blonde Clare Evans, 32, claimed she was jobless but was raking up to £800-a-month by posing on saucy websites.
At the same time she was claiming a variety of income support, housing benefit and council tax handouts - totalling £62,747 over six years.
She was finally caught when suspicious council officials noticed a sparkling new Audi TT sports car parked on her driveway.
Evans was jailed for ten months at Bristol Crown Court after admitting a string of benefit fraud charges.
The hearing was told that she already has one previous conviction for benefit fraud dating back to 2008.
Yet she still got away with £62,000 over six years. Indeed, this fraud was already happening at the time of her previous conviction.
Evans, who is four months pregnant with her third child, wept uncontrollably as she was sent to the cells.
Good
But Judge Martin Picton told her: 'This is £62,000 stolen from the community by someone with a previous conviction for benefit fraud. That crime outweighs any sympathy.
'This was a vast sum of money in benefit fraud terms. Ten months is about as merciful as I can be.'
Evans, of Pill, near Bristol, began claiming benefits legitimately in 2001 but failed to notify the authorities when she started working as a model in 2004, the court heard.
Anjali Gohil, prosecuting, said: 'Your honour will know that since at least 2001 the defendant has been claiming benefits - but it will be seen that the charges are since 2004.
'In effect Miss Evans was working as a glamour model and thereafter received £200 to £800 per calendar month, depending on which website her shots were displayed.'
In October 2009 officials from South Gloucestershire Council noticed an Audi TT on the driveway of her home and found the vehicle - which costs up to £40,000 - was registered to her.
They launched an investigation with the Department of Work and Pensions, unearthing illegal benefit payments totalling £62,747 paid to her since 2004.
Evans - who already has a son aged 14 and a daughter aged 15 months - claimed that her friends, family and boyfriend had been paying cash into her account to help her out.
Last month she pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to notify a change in circumstances affecting the payment of benefits, and eight of making false statements to obtain benefits.
Tabitha Macfarlane, defending, told the court that Evans has now enrolled in a college course to become a children's nurse.
She said: 'From the outset she has been incredibly sorry for what she has done. She is a woman who is trying to better herself considerably from her previous profession.'
The court heard that Evans had previously been convicted for benefit fraud in 2008, for which she was given a community order.
Presumably she's now supposed to repay £62,000, but we won't hold our breath.
20 Jul 2011
Serious benefit frauds? Check the sentences
INVESTIGATIONS carried out by Huntingdonshire District Council’s fraud team uncovered four serious cases of benefit fraud, the council say.
Gariyaki Garande (33) of High Street, Sandy, Susan Hodson (50) of Blenheim Way, Yaxley, James Kirk (55) of West Avenue, Ramsey and Shirley McEwan (46) of Montague House, Eynesbury had all pleaded guilty at earlier hearings to providing false information to obtain benefit or reductions in their council tax.
A total of over £26,000 was stolen from HDC by the four who were dealt with at Huntingdon Magistrates court last Tuesday (July 12).
Magistrates handed out punishments ranging from community work to a 6-month suspended sentence.
So now you know what "serious" means.
Gariyaki Garande (33) of High Street, Sandy, Susan Hodson (50) of Blenheim Way, Yaxley, James Kirk (55) of West Avenue, Ramsey and Shirley McEwan (46) of Montague House, Eynesbury had all pleaded guilty at earlier hearings to providing false information to obtain benefit or reductions in their council tax.
A total of over £26,000 was stolen from HDC by the four who were dealt with at Huntingdon Magistrates court last Tuesday (July 12).
Magistrates handed out punishments ranging from community work to a 6-month suspended sentence.
So now you know what "serious" means.
19 Jul 2011
Another mother jailed - it can be done
A mother who got married in Gretna Green so she could continue a £68,000 benefit fraud was put behind bars.
Sharon Morgan, 44, began claiming benefits when she was an unemployed, single parent.
But Liverpool Crown Court heard in 2003 she began working at a rest home, and in July, 2005, she married her partner David Morgan.
Charlotte Atherton, prosecuting, told how the couple, who had already been living together for a year, even crossed the border so the marriage would not be “registered in this country”. She then continued to fill in official forms in her maiden name, Nixon, so she could continue to swindle a string of benefits.
The court heard her husband, and dad to her second child, Mr Morgan, was earning up to £37,000 working as a pipe fitter.
Jailing her for 18 weeks, Judge Stephen Clarke said it was clear she had kept her relationship “away from the authorities”.
He added: “It was a pattern of dishonesty which went on for many years with many opportunities, effectively to tell the truth, not taken.”
The judge accepted Morgan, of Trevor Drive, Great Crosby, was a “good and caring” mum to her son, 13, and two-year-old daughter, but said the scale and length of her fraud meant it was impossible not to jail her.
Over the course of the seven- year scam, Morgan wrongly claimed £68,168 in income support and housing and council tax benefit.
Even after her arrest, Morgan still continued to deny she was married. But she later admitted four counts of benefit fraud between 2003 and 2010.
Paul Kilty, defending, told how Morgan had not lived a lavish lifestyle and that her shame was “palpable”. He told how she had packed a bag and attempted to explain the consequences of her actions to her kids before coming to court.
Sharon Morgan, 44, began claiming benefits when she was an unemployed, single parent.
But Liverpool Crown Court heard in 2003 she began working at a rest home, and in July, 2005, she married her partner David Morgan.
Charlotte Atherton, prosecuting, told how the couple, who had already been living together for a year, even crossed the border so the marriage would not be “registered in this country”. She then continued to fill in official forms in her maiden name, Nixon, so she could continue to swindle a string of benefits.
The court heard her husband, and dad to her second child, Mr Morgan, was earning up to £37,000 working as a pipe fitter.
Jailing her for 18 weeks, Judge Stephen Clarke said it was clear she had kept her relationship “away from the authorities”.
He added: “It was a pattern of dishonesty which went on for many years with many opportunities, effectively to tell the truth, not taken.”
The judge accepted Morgan, of Trevor Drive, Great Crosby, was a “good and caring” mum to her son, 13, and two-year-old daughter, but said the scale and length of her fraud meant it was impossible not to jail her.
Over the course of the seven- year scam, Morgan wrongly claimed £68,168 in income support and housing and council tax benefit.
Even after her arrest, Morgan still continued to deny she was married. But she later admitted four counts of benefit fraud between 2003 and 2010.
Paul Kilty, defending, told how Morgan had not lived a lavish lifestyle and that her shame was “palpable”. He told how she had packed a bag and attempted to explain the consequences of her actions to her kids before coming to court.
18 Jul 2011
Benefit thief mother jailed
A MOTHER-of-one from North Petherton has been jailed after falsely claiming £57,000 benefits.
Lisa Hallett, 30, received six months in prison after a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Sedgemoor District Council investigation into her benefit claims.
She illegally claimed £28,549 income support and jobseekers' allowance paid by the DWP, and £29,216 Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit from Sedgemoor.
The offender will have to pay this all back.
Sedgemoor's legal services department presented the case in court for both agencies and the offender pleaded guilty.
An anonymous tip-off initially alerted DWP investigators that the offender was living with her partner while still claiming lone parent benefits.
When she was interviewed under caution and confronted by DWP and Sedgemoor evidence, she denied the relationship. But the strength of evidence was considered strong enough to pursue the case.
Just days later, the claimant contacted investigators asking to be interviewed again, stating that she was untruthful.
A thorough investigation was launched into her financial circumstances and several links with her partner suggested the relationship had existed for years. Inquiries revealed, among other things, that the couple enjoyed a holiday in Gran Canaria in 2009.
Lisa Hallett, 30, received six months in prison after a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Sedgemoor District Council investigation into her benefit claims.
She illegally claimed £28,549 income support and jobseekers' allowance paid by the DWP, and £29,216 Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit from Sedgemoor.
The offender will have to pay this all back.
Sedgemoor's legal services department presented the case in court for both agencies and the offender pleaded guilty.
An anonymous tip-off initially alerted DWP investigators that the offender was living with her partner while still claiming lone parent benefits.
When she was interviewed under caution and confronted by DWP and Sedgemoor evidence, she denied the relationship. But the strength of evidence was considered strong enough to pursue the case.
Just days later, the claimant contacted investigators asking to be interviewed again, stating that she was untruthful.
A thorough investigation was launched into her financial circumstances and several links with her partner suggested the relationship had existed for years. Inquiries revealed, among other things, that the couple enjoyed a holiday in Gran Canaria in 2009.
15 Jul 2011
Judge judges benefit thieves after discharging jury
A London judge has made legal history by becoming the first to deliver a verdict on her own after discharging a jury.
Recorder Caroline English performed the unprecedented role at Wood Green crown court because a friend of the accused was alleged to have been in regular contact with a woman juror and have passed information on voting intentions.
Under the 2003 Criminal Justice Act, judges may continue a trial on their own if satisfied the jury has been subject to interference and that the defendants can still have a fair trial. The provision had never previously been used.
After a lengthy preamble making explicit how she had directed herself in the function of the jury, the recorder found four of the defendants guilty of participating in conspiracy to defraud the taxpayer of £112,000 in fictitious benefit claims.
Riccardo Guthrie, 33, a property developer, his two "willing and able" sisters Bianca, 35, and Cosima, 25, and Bianca's ex-partner Courtney Campbell, 48, used a "raft of false identities" to fraudulently claim housing and council tax benefits between 2003 and 2007, the court was told. Riccardo and Bianca Guthrie were jailed for two years while Cosima received 18 months.
English spared Campbell jail as he was the sole carer for his children and had played a minor role in the scam. He was given a one-year sentence, suspended for 18 months, and told to do 160 hours of unpaid work.
The family, who own seven London houses, were caught out after a five-year investigation by Barnet council, where three of the properties are located.
On 18 March, the judge was forced to dismiss the jury after the allegation of jury tampering was brought to her attention.
The defendants' lawyers objected to the judge's decision but the appeal court ruled the judge was within her rights to use the act of law in circumstances of jury tampering. It refused them permission to appeal to the supreme court.
Recorder Caroline English performed the unprecedented role at Wood Green crown court because a friend of the accused was alleged to have been in regular contact with a woman juror and have passed information on voting intentions.
Under the 2003 Criminal Justice Act, judges may continue a trial on their own if satisfied the jury has been subject to interference and that the defendants can still have a fair trial. The provision had never previously been used.
After a lengthy preamble making explicit how she had directed herself in the function of the jury, the recorder found four of the defendants guilty of participating in conspiracy to defraud the taxpayer of £112,000 in fictitious benefit claims.
Riccardo Guthrie, 33, a property developer, his two "willing and able" sisters Bianca, 35, and Cosima, 25, and Bianca's ex-partner Courtney Campbell, 48, used a "raft of false identities" to fraudulently claim housing and council tax benefits between 2003 and 2007, the court was told. Riccardo and Bianca Guthrie were jailed for two years while Cosima received 18 months.
English spared Campbell jail as he was the sole carer for his children and had played a minor role in the scam. He was given a one-year sentence, suspended for 18 months, and told to do 160 hours of unpaid work.
The family, who own seven London houses, were caught out after a five-year investigation by Barnet council, where three of the properties are located.
On 18 March, the judge was forced to dismiss the jury after the allegation of jury tampering was brought to her attention.
The defendants' lawyers objected to the judge's decision but the appeal court ruled the judge was within her rights to use the act of law in circumstances of jury tampering. It refused them permission to appeal to the supreme court.
"Unfit" mother claimed benefits for kids taken into care
THIS is the mum, says The Sunday Mercury under a picture of an obese woman smoking, who swindled £43,000 in benefits after claiming for her two children – who had been taken into care by social services.
Victoria Butler, 41, should have informed the Department for Work and Pensions that she had lost her kids after being deemed an unfit mother.
How likely was that? Truly, in the real world, how likely was she to go straight to the DWP and ask for less money? Another example of the state sector working in compartments.
Instead, the mum-of-two netted the fortune by wrongly claiming family benefits, understood to include child allowance and income support, as well as carers allowance.
Butler, from Stourbridge, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to notify a change of circumstances between August 2007 and May 2010 when she appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court last week.
She could now face a prison sentence when she appears at Wolverhampton Crown Court for sentencing on August 4.
Claire Beddow, prosecuting, said Butler had told police she had turned to benefit fraud after running into debt after her partner left her.
Defence solicitor John Davies also claimed his client believed her children would eventually move back home, so she had not stopped claiming.
More
htp Dave
Victoria Butler, 41, should have informed the Department for Work and Pensions that she had lost her kids after being deemed an unfit mother.
How likely was that? Truly, in the real world, how likely was she to go straight to the DWP and ask for less money? Another example of the state sector working in compartments.
Instead, the mum-of-two netted the fortune by wrongly claiming family benefits, understood to include child allowance and income support, as well as carers allowance.
Butler, from Stourbridge, pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to notify a change of circumstances between August 2007 and May 2010 when she appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court last week.
She could now face a prison sentence when she appears at Wolverhampton Crown Court for sentencing on August 4.
Claire Beddow, prosecuting, said Butler had told police she had turned to benefit fraud after running into debt after her partner left her.
Defence solicitor John Davies also claimed his client believed her children would eventually move back home, so she had not stopped claiming.
More
htp Dave
HMRC extends use of anti-fraud technology
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is preparing to expand the use of a new technology deployed at a document centre in the north-west to reduce losses from fraud and error in processing tax credit applications.
The Fraud Screen system has been developed by Fujitsu, one of the partners in the Capgemini-led Aspire contract for IT services. Andy Fuller, assistant director Fujitsu UK, said that a six month pilot provided of savings of £10m and that £26m has now been saved in addition to the processes going through manual sifting.
The company has tailored technology used by the financial services industry to reduce the volume of fraud and error in the process. It checks scanned documents containing data that people provide about themselves and looks for discrepancies or patterns that indicate a degree of risk in going ahead. It automatically assigns a risk score that highlights applications for examination by intervention teams.
"It's really important to stress that the computer does not make the final decision, which goes to an intervention team," Fuller says. "At no point does the system provide an out and out block, but it increases the chances that a good or valid claim will be processed rapidly."
He said the appetite to reduce fraud and errors increased with the change of government and emphasis on reducing the public sector deficit, and that the company had already been developing ideas on how data analytics could be used to achieve this. In summer of last year it ran a two week pilot and found it was possible to highlight 25% more fraud and error than with normal processes.
It agreed with HMRC to run a longer pilot from the end of September to the end of March, in which time it recovered £10m in savings. As a result, it is now being used for a larger proportion of new tax credit applications, and Fuller said it has already provided further savings of £15m. The department and Fujitsu are also working on the use of Fraud Screen in the renewal of tax credits and investigating its potential in other areas.
"Once the system goes live in a few weeks we can be confident of looking at just the 'risk' applications, and can go with it in a different, more vigilant mindset," Fuller said. "You can contrast this with the situation of five years ago when they would go at it as quickly as possible even it didn't look right. It has changed the culture and atmosphere among the teams."
He added that Fujitsu has had talks with other organisations, including the Department for Work and Pensions, about what it can do with the technology. He said there are a range of processes for which it could be used, citing the example of grant applications.
The Fraud Screen system has been developed by Fujitsu, one of the partners in the Capgemini-led Aspire contract for IT services. Andy Fuller, assistant director Fujitsu UK, said that a six month pilot provided of savings of £10m and that £26m has now been saved in addition to the processes going through manual sifting.
The company has tailored technology used by the financial services industry to reduce the volume of fraud and error in the process. It checks scanned documents containing data that people provide about themselves and looks for discrepancies or patterns that indicate a degree of risk in going ahead. It automatically assigns a risk score that highlights applications for examination by intervention teams.
"It's really important to stress that the computer does not make the final decision, which goes to an intervention team," Fuller says. "At no point does the system provide an out and out block, but it increases the chances that a good or valid claim will be processed rapidly."
He said the appetite to reduce fraud and errors increased with the change of government and emphasis on reducing the public sector deficit, and that the company had already been developing ideas on how data analytics could be used to achieve this. In summer of last year it ran a two week pilot and found it was possible to highlight 25% more fraud and error than with normal processes.
It agreed with HMRC to run a longer pilot from the end of September to the end of March, in which time it recovered £10m in savings. As a result, it is now being used for a larger proportion of new tax credit applications, and Fuller said it has already provided further savings of £15m. The department and Fujitsu are also working on the use of Fraud Screen in the renewal of tax credits and investigating its potential in other areas.
"Once the system goes live in a few weeks we can be confident of looking at just the 'risk' applications, and can go with it in a different, more vigilant mindset," Fuller said. "You can contrast this with the situation of five years ago when they would go at it as quickly as possible even it didn't look right. It has changed the culture and atmosphere among the teams."
He added that Fujitsu has had talks with other organisations, including the Department for Work and Pensions, about what it can do with the technology. He said there are a range of processes for which it could be used, citing the example of grant applications.
14 Jul 2011
Light sentence for calculated benefit fraud
A 48-YEAR-old Midland mother-of-two has avoided a prison sentence after she admitting fiddling over £30,000 in benefits.
Judge Amjad Nawaz told Shakila Rauf it was a serious fraud on the public purse and he added: “Your offending shows you knew what you were doing.”
Rauf, from West Bromwich, admitted ten charges of benefit fraud and she was given an eight-month jail term suspended for 15 months.
She was further placed on Supervision by the Judge at Wolverhampton Crown Court and ordered to pay £600 towards the costs of the prosecution.
Mr Mark Jackson prosecuting said Rauf dishonestly claimed £30,070 over a seven-and-a-half-year period from November 2002 and April 2010.
He said she submitted multiple fraudulent claims for Housing and Council tax benefits in respect of two different address in the West Bromwich area.
Then, after she had been interviewed under caution in relation to fraudulent claims at the one address, she submitted a further illegal claim in respect of the second address. The claims were fraudulent from the outset, said Mr Jackson, because Rauf submitted claims on the basis that neither she or her children were related to her landlord when they were her brother-in-law, her brother and his wife.
Mr Benjamin Nicholls, defending, said the offences had cost Raul, who was making an attempt to repay the money on a monthly basis, her good character.
Rubbish. Shakila Rauf never had a good character in the first place.
Judge Amjad Nawaz told Shakila Rauf it was a serious fraud on the public purse and he added: “Your offending shows you knew what you were doing.”
Rauf, from West Bromwich, admitted ten charges of benefit fraud and she was given an eight-month jail term suspended for 15 months.
She was further placed on Supervision by the Judge at Wolverhampton Crown Court and ordered to pay £600 towards the costs of the prosecution.
Mr Mark Jackson prosecuting said Rauf dishonestly claimed £30,070 over a seven-and-a-half-year period from November 2002 and April 2010.
He said she submitted multiple fraudulent claims for Housing and Council tax benefits in respect of two different address in the West Bromwich area.
Then, after she had been interviewed under caution in relation to fraudulent claims at the one address, she submitted a further illegal claim in respect of the second address. The claims were fraudulent from the outset, said Mr Jackson, because Rauf submitted claims on the basis that neither she or her children were related to her landlord when they were her brother-in-law, her brother and his wife.
Mr Benjamin Nicholls, defending, said the offences had cost Raul, who was making an attempt to repay the money on a monthly basis, her good character.
Rubbish. Shakila Rauf never had a good character in the first place.
Light sentence for £11k benefit theft
A cross-dressing odd job man who stole £12,000 in state benefits has escaped jail.
Transsexual Roy Pittilla, who insists on being called Janet Williams by friends and neighbours, turned up at court dressed as a man - despite insisting to be sent to a women's prison if convicted.
The 50-year-old, who is regarded as a 'she' despite yet going through with a full sex-swap operation, took on seven jobs over a three-year period while illegally pocketing disability handouts to get a 'positive feeling'.
She worked as an office temp, a warehouse operator, and as a house cleaner pulling in sums of up to an extra £750 a month on some of the jobs.
Today the defendant appeared at Oldham magistrates' court in Greater Manchester under the name Janet Williams dressed in men's trousers, boots and a leather jacket yet escaped jail - after earlier claiming she shouldn't go a men's prison.
She was ordered to pay back the remaining £11,000 she owes to the public purse at a rate of £5 a week - which means she will be 92 when she finishes paying off the money in the year 2053.
Before the hearing she ran at a photographer when he took her picture - only to then trip up and fall over.
At earlier hearings she turned up in a skirt and blouse and full make-up, claiming that she had lived as a woman for 31 years.
The court heard Williams claimed incapacity benefits after suffering mental health problems as a result of a pulmonary embolism - a blood clot in the vessels which connect to the lungs - in 2003.
But she worked casually for seven different companies during that time - without notifying the Department for Work and Pensions.
Williams was overpaid disability allowance from 4 April 2004 to 15 July 2007, when she failed to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of changes to her circumstances and was working casual jobs while still receiving the payments.
Over the three-year period, she received £11,898 illegitimately while working seven jobs, many involving physical effort.
Prosecuting Vincent Carr said: 'She claimed incapacity benefits on the basis of sickness.
'There was an obligation to notify the DWP of change in circumstances but there were seven different periods of employment over the course of which Ms Williams was claiming benefits.'
And that's it, for stealing almost £12,000.
She said: 'This is the first time in my benefit history that I acted in an illegal fashion.
'I hope that the court considers that my disturbed behaviour contributes to the offence and I acted while I was psychotic and can only apologise.
'Even though I carried out the offence I am very sorry and can only blame myself for my actions.'
But magistrate Graham Eckersall told her: 'The principal fact is that benefit fraud is not a victimless offence. It impacts every mum, woman and child in this country, everyone suffers the consequences of people who cheat the system.'
Williams' defence lawyer Chris Fallows said: 'The reason to not notify the DWP of a change in her circumstances was not an attempt to feather her nest. She lives in a modest one-bedroom flat that could not be called luxurious.
'It was for her own mental well-being. She wanted to put a foot on the ladder for her own peace of mind. She wanted to give herself the positive feeling that was needed to further her life, instead of just being on benefits.'
He noted that she had already begun paying the money back and now owed less than £11,000 and that she would begin to receive Employment and Support Allowance instead of disability allowance, out of which the repayment of £5 a week could be taken.
Transsexual Roy Pittilla, who insists on being called Janet Williams by friends and neighbours, turned up at court dressed as a man - despite insisting to be sent to a women's prison if convicted.
The 50-year-old, who is regarded as a 'she' despite yet going through with a full sex-swap operation, took on seven jobs over a three-year period while illegally pocketing disability handouts to get a 'positive feeling'.
She worked as an office temp, a warehouse operator, and as a house cleaner pulling in sums of up to an extra £750 a month on some of the jobs.
Today the defendant appeared at Oldham magistrates' court in Greater Manchester under the name Janet Williams dressed in men's trousers, boots and a leather jacket yet escaped jail - after earlier claiming she shouldn't go a men's prison.
She was ordered to pay back the remaining £11,000 she owes to the public purse at a rate of £5 a week - which means she will be 92 when she finishes paying off the money in the year 2053.
Before the hearing she ran at a photographer when he took her picture - only to then trip up and fall over.
At earlier hearings she turned up in a skirt and blouse and full make-up, claiming that she had lived as a woman for 31 years.
The court heard Williams claimed incapacity benefits after suffering mental health problems as a result of a pulmonary embolism - a blood clot in the vessels which connect to the lungs - in 2003.
But she worked casually for seven different companies during that time - without notifying the Department for Work and Pensions.
Williams was overpaid disability allowance from 4 April 2004 to 15 July 2007, when she failed to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of changes to her circumstances and was working casual jobs while still receiving the payments.
Over the three-year period, she received £11,898 illegitimately while working seven jobs, many involving physical effort.
Prosecuting Vincent Carr said: 'She claimed incapacity benefits on the basis of sickness.
'There was an obligation to notify the DWP of change in circumstances but there were seven different periods of employment over the course of which Ms Williams was claiming benefits.'
Williams was given a 12-month community order, a 12-month supervision with curfew of 9pm to 7am and was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £250, in addition to repaying what she owes at a rate of £5 a week.
And that's it, for stealing almost £12,000.
She said: 'This is the first time in my benefit history that I acted in an illegal fashion.
'I hope that the court considers that my disturbed behaviour contributes to the offence and I acted while I was psychotic and can only apologise.
'Even though I carried out the offence I am very sorry and can only blame myself for my actions.'
But magistrate Graham Eckersall told her: 'The principal fact is that benefit fraud is not a victimless offence. It impacts every mum, woman and child in this country, everyone suffers the consequences of people who cheat the system.'
Williams' defence lawyer Chris Fallows said: 'The reason to not notify the DWP of a change in her circumstances was not an attempt to feather her nest. She lives in a modest one-bedroom flat that could not be called luxurious.
'It was for her own mental well-being. She wanted to put a foot on the ladder for her own peace of mind. She wanted to give herself the positive feeling that was needed to further her life, instead of just being on benefits.'
He noted that she had already begun paying the money back and now owed less than £11,000 and that she would begin to receive Employment and Support Allowance instead of disability allowance, out of which the repayment of £5 a week could be taken.
- So that's all right, then?
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.
13 Jul 2011
Light sentences for Herts benefit thieves
Three benefit fraudsters have been prosecuted following false claims to East Herts District Council.
Jonathon Edwards, from Bishop’s Stortford, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud at Hertford Magistrates’ Court after claiming council tax benefit of £457.60. He failed to let the council know that he was no longer receiving income support award and was in paid work.
A warrant was issued for Edwards’ arrest after he missed three court dates. Once he finally appeared, he was ordered to re-pay the full amount claimed, in addition to £350 costs while serving a 12- month conditional discharge.
That's right, give them a deterrent sentence.
Robert Hooper also failed to attend his court date and three interviews under caution. After a warrant was issued for his arrest, he was prosecuted at Hatfield Remand Court. Hooper, 50, formerly from Bishop’s Stortford, was fined £150 and ordered to contribute £900 towards prosecution costs plus a £15 victim surcharge over housing benefit of £2,278.38 and council tax benefit of £308.12. He had failed to let the council know that, along with his wife, he was receiving income from occupational pensions. He must repay the full amount claimed.
Michelle Holdstock, from Sawbridgeworth, was overpaid housing benefit of £2,706.41 and council tax benefit of £842.21 after she failed to let the council know she was receiving tax credits and increased wages from her job at Halfords. In addition to re-paying the full amount, Hertford Magistrates’ Court fined her £115 and ordered her to pay £250 towards prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Jonathon Edwards, from Bishop’s Stortford, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud at Hertford Magistrates’ Court after claiming council tax benefit of £457.60. He failed to let the council know that he was no longer receiving income support award and was in paid work.
A warrant was issued for Edwards’ arrest after he missed three court dates. Once he finally appeared, he was ordered to re-pay the full amount claimed, in addition to £350 costs while serving a 12- month conditional discharge.
That's right, give them a deterrent sentence.
Robert Hooper also failed to attend his court date and three interviews under caution. After a warrant was issued for his arrest, he was prosecuted at Hatfield Remand Court. Hooper, 50, formerly from Bishop’s Stortford, was fined £150 and ordered to contribute £900 towards prosecution costs plus a £15 victim surcharge over housing benefit of £2,278.38 and council tax benefit of £308.12. He had failed to let the council know that, along with his wife, he was receiving income from occupational pensions. He must repay the full amount claimed.
Michelle Holdstock, from Sawbridgeworth, was overpaid housing benefit of £2,706.41 and council tax benefit of £842.21 after she failed to let the council know she was receiving tax credits and increased wages from her job at Halfords. In addition to re-paying the full amount, Hertford Magistrates’ Court fined her £115 and ordered her to pay £250 towards prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
- 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.
12 Jul 2011
Same old, same old
A benefits cheat who falsely claimed nearly £43,000 from the taxpayer has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Susan Le Tissier, 35, from Aylesbury, pleaded guilty to failing to report that her partner, Kevin Green, was living with her.
This resulted in her fraudulently receiving £25,916 in income support from the Department for Work and Pensions plus housing and council benefit of £18,197 from Aylesbury Vale District Council.
So they threw the book at her? Hmm ...
As well as an 18 week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, Le Tissier was also told she must carry out 150 hours’ unpaid work and pay £100 in court costs.
She will also have to repay all the money she dishonestly obtained.
Well lawks, stand by for her to deluge us with her repayments.
The case was brought by the district council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Councillor Neil Blake, cabinet member for resources at the district council, said:
Susan Le Tissier, 35, from Aylesbury, pleaded guilty to failing to report that her partner, Kevin Green, was living with her.
This resulted in her fraudulently receiving £25,916 in income support from the Department for Work and Pensions plus housing and council benefit of £18,197 from Aylesbury Vale District Council.
So they threw the book at her? Hmm ...
As well as an 18 week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, Le Tissier was also told she must carry out 150 hours’ unpaid work and pay £100 in court costs.
She will also have to repay all the money she dishonestly obtained.
Well lawks, stand by for her to deluge us with her repayments.
The case was brought by the district council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Councillor Neil Blake, cabinet member for resources at the district council, said:
I hope that the result of this investigation sends out a clear message to everyone that AVDC will not tolerate benefit cheats and those caught will be placed before the courts.Yes, Yes. But she got away with it for several years, didn't she.
We work closely with the DWP, and other government bodies, to share information about those suspected of fraud and to gather evidence for prosecutions so the chance of getting away with making false claims reduces all the time.
The reason we take such a hard line is because we realise that every pound which goes into a fraudster’s pocket is a pound that could have been spent on parks, community centres and other facilities that benefit the whole community.
I would encourage anyone who is claiming benefit and has a change of circumstances to declare this at the earliest opportunity.
11 Jul 2011
£39k benefit thief spared jail
A 53 year old Harlow man who claimed nearly £40,000 in benefits he was not entitled to has been spared jail.
Ian McLernon was given a six-month jail term suspended for two years at Chelmsford Crown Court after pleading guilty to failing to notify the authorities of a change of circumstances. He was also banned from driving for six months.
The court heard that he committed two offences relating to income support and one of housing and council tax after failing to declare his wife had gone back to work.
Prosecutor Nasra Butt said the total amount of money involved was £39,453, and told the court the offences were committed between February 2006 and October 2009.
And it's just come to court.
Although there was a dispute about how much had been repaid, Robert James, mitigating, said McLernon had been doing so and referred to his client's "poor health".
Sentencing the defendant, Judge Anthony Goldstaub told him: "In view of your poor health there are other means than prison to punish you.
"Prison would be another expense on the public purse - you'll be disqualified from driving for six months."
The judge also ordered McLernon to attend intensive community sentence scheme The Bridge Project for 30 days.
Ian McLernon was given a six-month jail term suspended for two years at Chelmsford Crown Court after pleading guilty to failing to notify the authorities of a change of circumstances. He was also banned from driving for six months.
The court heard that he committed two offences relating to income support and one of housing and council tax after failing to declare his wife had gone back to work.
Prosecutor Nasra Butt said the total amount of money involved was £39,453, and told the court the offences were committed between February 2006 and October 2009.
And it's just come to court.
Although there was a dispute about how much had been repaid, Robert James, mitigating, said McLernon had been doing so and referred to his client's "poor health".
Sentencing the defendant, Judge Anthony Goldstaub told him: "In view of your poor health there are other means than prison to punish you.
"Prison would be another expense on the public purse - you'll be disqualified from driving for six months."
The judge also ordered McLernon to attend intensive community sentence scheme The Bridge Project for 30 days.
8 Jul 2011
Single parent fraud target blows hole in official fraud figures
Fraud investigators are launching a door-to-door blitz to catch couples who rake in extra benefits by falsely claiming to live apart.
The taskforce hopes to save the taxpayer £100million by interviewing every claimant in high-risk postcode areas.
Notice the suggestion that single parent fraud in particular areas could alone account for nearly 10% of total officially recognised benefit fraud!
How likely is that?
Their main targets are parents who say they live alone while in fact cohabiting with their partner or husband.
The officials from the Department from Work and Pensions and Revenue and Customs will check benefit payments, bank accounts, tax credits and any outside earnings. They will also work with councils to check residential addresses.
Pretending to be a lone parent is a simple way of picking up higher benefits, usually through tax credits.
The crackdown starts with 5,000 households in Perry Barr and Kingstanding, which make up the B44 postcode of Birmingham.
Other postcodes around the country with an unusually high number of claimants will be visited from the autumn.
Lord Freud, minister for welfare reform, said: ‘The new taskforce is our latest weapon in tackling welfare fraud on the front line.
‘We are sending a clear warning that if you are fiddling the system, you will be caught. Welfare fraud is a crime and takes money away from the most vulnerable.
‘People who are receiving the correct benefits and tax credits have absolutely nothing to fear.
‘But if people have deliberately not told us of a change in circumstances, they should do so now, before the team comes knocking at their door.’
Changes to the way benefits are paid will, by 2013, make it easier to catch fraudsters. Those who come clean about an address change will have to repay the money they owe and face extra punishment, depending on the scale of their offending.
Those caught by the taskforce face prosecution, fines and possible imprisonment.
David Gauke, a Tory junior Treasury minister, said: ‘This Government will not tolerate money which is meant for those in genuine need being siphoned off into the pockets of cheats and fraudsters.
‘The new taskforce delivers on our commitment to tackle benefit fraud and together with the extra £917million we have reinvested in HMRC sends a very clear message.’
A spokesman for the DWP said the taskforce costs would be absorbed by the department and not require any extra outlay. The Revenue will also merge its fraud investigations unit with that of the Department for Work and Pensions.
They aim to reduce the annual welfare fraud and error bill by as much as one quarter – or £1.4billion – by March 2015.
But the article doesn't explain how any of this reduction could be down to "error", as opposed to fraud.
Any money owed will be deducted directly through PAYE while more than one million claims will be examined to search for official or customer error.
Since January this year, court cases have identified more than £1million lost by taxpayers to benefit claimants who claimed they were single.
The ‘living together’ fraud cases include Zena Bailey of North-East London who raked in nearly £83,000 while masquerading as a lone mother.
She was jailed for a year in February by Snaresbrook Crown Court when police discovered cards addressed to her and her partner at the couple’s home and her partner’s clothes in her wardrobe.
In May, Suzie Dwyer of Liverpool claimed nearly £103,000 as a single mother but was jailed for 16 months alongside her supposed landlord Paul Campbell. It emerged that Campbell was in fact her partner and father of her three children.
Karen McCormack of Highgate, North London, was jailed for two years in February after failing to declare she was living with her partner and father of her two children. While claiming benefit, she also neglected to tell the authorities about an £80,000 inheritance she had received.
The taskforce hopes to save the taxpayer £100million by interviewing every claimant in high-risk postcode areas.
Notice the suggestion that single parent fraud in particular areas could alone account for nearly 10% of total officially recognised benefit fraud!
How likely is that?
Their main targets are parents who say they live alone while in fact cohabiting with their partner or husband.
The officials from the Department from Work and Pensions and Revenue and Customs will check benefit payments, bank accounts, tax credits and any outside earnings. They will also work with councils to check residential addresses.
Pretending to be a lone parent is a simple way of picking up higher benefits, usually through tax credits.
The crackdown starts with 5,000 households in Perry Barr and Kingstanding, which make up the B44 postcode of Birmingham.
Other postcodes around the country with an unusually high number of claimants will be visited from the autumn.
Lord Freud, minister for welfare reform, said: ‘The new taskforce is our latest weapon in tackling welfare fraud on the front line.
‘We are sending a clear warning that if you are fiddling the system, you will be caught. Welfare fraud is a crime and takes money away from the most vulnerable.
‘People who are receiving the correct benefits and tax credits have absolutely nothing to fear.
‘But if people have deliberately not told us of a change in circumstances, they should do so now, before the team comes knocking at their door.’
Changes to the way benefits are paid will, by 2013, make it easier to catch fraudsters. Those who come clean about an address change will have to repay the money they owe and face extra punishment, depending on the scale of their offending.
Those caught by the taskforce face prosecution, fines and possible imprisonment.
David Gauke, a Tory junior Treasury minister, said: ‘This Government will not tolerate money which is meant for those in genuine need being siphoned off into the pockets of cheats and fraudsters.
‘The new taskforce delivers on our commitment to tackle benefit fraud and together with the extra £917million we have reinvested in HMRC sends a very clear message.’
A spokesman for the DWP said the taskforce costs would be absorbed by the department and not require any extra outlay. The Revenue will also merge its fraud investigations unit with that of the Department for Work and Pensions.
They aim to reduce the annual welfare fraud and error bill by as much as one quarter – or £1.4billion – by March 2015.
But the article doesn't explain how any of this reduction could be down to "error", as opposed to fraud.
Any money owed will be deducted directly through PAYE while more than one million claims will be examined to search for official or customer error.
Since January this year, court cases have identified more than £1million lost by taxpayers to benefit claimants who claimed they were single.
The ‘living together’ fraud cases include Zena Bailey of North-East London who raked in nearly £83,000 while masquerading as a lone mother.
She was jailed for a year in February by Snaresbrook Crown Court when police discovered cards addressed to her and her partner at the couple’s home and her partner’s clothes in her wardrobe.
In May, Suzie Dwyer of Liverpool claimed nearly £103,000 as a single mother but was jailed for 16 months alongside her supposed landlord Paul Campbell. It emerged that Campbell was in fact her partner and father of her three children.
Karen McCormack of Highgate, North London, was jailed for two years in February after failing to declare she was living with her partner and father of her two children. While claiming benefit, she also neglected to tell the authorities about an £80,000 inheritance she had received.
The complexities of benefit rules
Benefits Bod has posted more useful commentary on a news story featured here yesterday.
Hopefully the rules around the universal benefit will be drawn to be simple - and be kept simple.
This kind of case perfectly demonstrates the contradictory and, arguably, arbitrary nature of benefits legislation and how thin the margins can be between a perfectly legitimate claim and one resulting in a conviction for a benefit fraud related offence.As usual, a fascinating insight into the fine distinctions which lawyers and legislators put in place in order to attain what they see as justice. But this is also an example of how good intentions can over-complicate what should be broadly drawn provisions.
From the facts posted, it's unclear whether or not the claimant's husband was living with her. If both were members of the same "household" (there is a substantial body of legal authority on the meaning of "household"), then they would be legally counted as a couple for benefit purposes. However, the info posted *seems* to suggest the husband was living elsewhere and, if that is correct, he would not count as the claimant's partner for benefit purposes. As a non-partner, he would, by definition, be a FORMER partner (the ongoing marital status would be irrelevant).
Why does this matter? Well, if a couple, their combined circumstances would be aggregated. However, if not a couple, the income given to the claimant by the "former partner" would count as maintenance (i.e. her income). This is where it gets even more complicated.
It's worth noting at this point that "voluntary payments" and "payment in kind" are currently fully disregarded as income for the purposes of Income Support ("IS"), Housing Benefit ("HB") and Council Tax Benefit ("CTB") ("voluntary payments" used to be partially disregarded and the law was changed to fully disregard them - I can't recall the effective date of this change).
There are, in basic terms, three conceivable ways in which a contribution from a 3rd party to the claimant could be construed: 1) "maintenance", 2) "voluntary payment", 3) "payment in kind". There are other possiblities but none that appear directly relevant to this case. At this point, it is partially simplified because where money is being paid to a claimant by, specifically, a "former partner", legislation excludes the money from being disregarded under the "voluntary payment" label. If it's cash, it's difficult to see how it is "payment in kind" and that leaves "maintenance".
In addition, there have been changes to the way in which "maintenance" is treated. For the majority of the period at issue in the article, the "old" rules applied and this meant limited amounts could (and should) be disregarded from payments made by a former partner. For HB/CTB, this was £15 per week but only if the claimant was responsible for a child or young person (both terms are defined). Otherwise, no disregard.
However, from 27 Oct 2008 (for HB/CTB) and from April 2010 (for IS), the maintenance rules changed. In some circumstances, ALL payments made from a former partner could be disregarded. I'll stick with HB/CTB because this doesn't require guesswork on my part. In short, the maintenance disregards work like this (for HB/CTB):
1) 100% for any maintenance in respect of a child or young person who is a member of the claimant’s family (excluding payments made by the claimant or by the claimant’s (current) partner). The term "member of the claimant's family" means the claimant has responsibility for that child or young person.
2) £15 per week maximum in respect of maintenance that ISN’T for a child or young person but where the claimant has responsibility for any child or young person.
3) All other circumstances, no disregard.
It's worth noting that if the payments being made by the husband were in respect of the claimant's children and the same situation came to light NOW and had only existed after the change in legislation, the payments would be disregarded in full and it is likely that no criminal offence would have been committed or, even if there was, it's unlikely that prosecution would have taken place (not in the public interest / no loss to public funds etc).
Further, what if payments of the same value, or even higher, had been made by someone other than the former partner? If the monies were gifts without strings, they would have been "voluntary payments" and entirely disregarded (at least from the date of the legislation change). If the contribution to the claimant had been by way of food hampers, holidays, household goods, jewellery etc, those would all have been "payment in kind" and fully disregarded - even if given by the "former partner".
In short, the claimant may well have been guilty of a serious offence but, under the current legislation, it cannot be assumed that receipt of payments from a former partner (including CSA payments) will necessarily affect entitlement to benefit and had other arrangements been in place for goods or payments of the same value, there may well have been no overpayment of benefit.
How thin the margins....
Hopefully the rules around the universal benefit will be drawn to be simple - and be kept simple.
7 Jul 2011
Is she so hopeless with finances? She lied
Benefit fraudster Karen Squires walked free from court after wrongly taking almost £40,000 from the state.
She was instead handed a suspended jail term after a court heard how she cared for family members.
A judge said prison would deal a “catastrophic blow” to the 44-year-old’s son, who has Asperger syndrome.
Recorder Michael Slater said Squires also looked after her seriously disabled mother, who needed 24-hour care.
So he took an “exceptional view” of Squires’ extensive benefit fraud, which saw her overpaid £39,886 in income support over a five-and-a- half-year period.
The defendant, who had no previous convictions, did not declare that she was receiving regular income from her husband Mark.
She started claiming the benefits as a single parent in 2001 and made false declarations that she had no other income from September 2003 to April 2009.
The pair were not living together but he was paying most of her household bills, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Squires, from Thornaby, admitted making a false statement and retaining a wrongful credit.
Catherine Fagan, defending, said Squires was hopeless with finances, her husband offered to help and she put her head in the sand at a time of hardship.
The situation snowballed as she used the money not for luxuries but for the upkeep of her home.
Now Squires was said to be extremely sorry, ashamed and embarrassed about her actions.
She had endured “an awful lot of bad luck” including distressing family bereavements, depression and a marriage breakdown, the court heard.
Her life was in a mess and she was under immense pressure.
The Recorder gave her a one-year prison, sentence suspended for two years, with a year’s supervision.
She was instead handed a suspended jail term after a court heard how she cared for family members.
A judge said prison would deal a “catastrophic blow” to the 44-year-old’s son, who has Asperger syndrome.
Recorder Michael Slater said Squires also looked after her seriously disabled mother, who needed 24-hour care.
So he took an “exceptional view” of Squires’ extensive benefit fraud, which saw her overpaid £39,886 in income support over a five-and-a- half-year period.
The defendant, who had no previous convictions, did not declare that she was receiving regular income from her husband Mark.
She started claiming the benefits as a single parent in 2001 and made false declarations that she had no other income from September 2003 to April 2009.
The pair were not living together but he was paying most of her household bills, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Squires, from Thornaby, admitted making a false statement and retaining a wrongful credit.
Catherine Fagan, defending, said Squires was hopeless with finances, her husband offered to help and she put her head in the sand at a time of hardship.
The situation snowballed as she used the money not for luxuries but for the upkeep of her home.
Now Squires was said to be extremely sorry, ashamed and embarrassed about her actions.
She had endured “an awful lot of bad luck” including distressing family bereavements, depression and a marriage breakdown, the court heard.
Her life was in a mess and she was under immense pressure.
The Recorder gave her a one-year prison, sentence suspended for two years, with a year’s supervision.
6 Jul 2011
Identity theft benefit fraudster is Nigerian
A master conman thought to be one of Britain's most prolific identity fraudsters is facing jail after admitting an eight-year scam which netted him at least £650,000.
David Peters, 30, has been linked to at least 128 different identities, which he used to fleece banks, mortgage lenders and government agencies.
He stole £168,575 in benefits from three London councils, by claiming to be both tenant and landlord at the same address.
Peters obtained a £250,000 mortgage for a house in Edgware, North-West London, using one of 74 separate driving licences he fraudulently obtained.
He got a second mortgage on a flat in Essex worth £157,495 and took more than £60,000 from Lloyds TSB in a series of bank frauds.
Nigerian Peters, who was also named as Oluseyi Jeremiah Adebayo on court documents, was finally caught last year after City of London police launched an investigation following a tip-off by the DVLA and DWP.
Inquiries in April 2010 discovered he had successfully applied for 74 UK driving licences under false names at various rural post offices across the country, using a checking system where the cashier certifies the documents as genuine.
On other occasions Peters applied for a change of name via deed poll to get his hands on genuine licences.
Through photographic evidence from the DWP, DVLA and banks Peters has been linked to 128 different identities.
Peters yesterday admitted multiple counts of making a false statement with a view to obtaining benefit; possession of criminal property; obtaining property by deception; fraud and possession of false identification documents.
Police inquiries have discovered Peters was running the con from as far back as October 2002 until December of last year.
He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Wednesday morning by Judge Gerald Gordon QC.
Following his guilty pleas, Detective Inspector Richard Fisher, from the City of London Police, said: 'This is the biggest case of identity theft we have ever investigated, with banks, mortgage lenders and government agencies all being caught in Peters' web of deception.
'The sheer number of the fake identities we discovered are evidence of how Peters was a full-time fraudster who was committed to funding a life of excess for himself at the expense of others.
'By working closely with the DWP we have brought an end to Peters days of deceit, while at the same time sending out a warning to anyone else who likes to act as someone they are not as means to commit a crime.'
He used the driving licences to obtain a mortgage with the Kensington Mortgage Company, worth £256,500 for a property in Edgware, and got a similar deal from Birmingham Midshires for a flat there and one in Dagenham.
Peters, of Edgware, North-West London, admitted a total of 29 charges.
They were six counts of making a false statement with a view to obtaining benefit; 12 counts of possession of criminal property; three counts of obtaining property by deception; six of fraud and four counts of possession of false identification documents.
The charges variously date between October 18, 2002 and December 1, 2010.
He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on Wednesday.
David Peters, 30, has been linked to at least 128 different identities, which he used to fleece banks, mortgage lenders and government agencies.
He stole £168,575 in benefits from three London councils, by claiming to be both tenant and landlord at the same address.
Peters obtained a £250,000 mortgage for a house in Edgware, North-West London, using one of 74 separate driving licences he fraudulently obtained.
He got a second mortgage on a flat in Essex worth £157,495 and took more than £60,000 from Lloyds TSB in a series of bank frauds.
Nigerian Peters, who was also named as Oluseyi Jeremiah Adebayo on court documents, was finally caught last year after City of London police launched an investigation following a tip-off by the DVLA and DWP.
Inquiries in April 2010 discovered he had successfully applied for 74 UK driving licences under false names at various rural post offices across the country, using a checking system where the cashier certifies the documents as genuine.
On other occasions Peters applied for a change of name via deed poll to get his hands on genuine licences.
Through photographic evidence from the DWP, DVLA and banks Peters has been linked to 128 different identities.
Peters yesterday admitted multiple counts of making a false statement with a view to obtaining benefit; possession of criminal property; obtaining property by deception; fraud and possession of false identification documents.
Police inquiries have discovered Peters was running the con from as far back as October 2002 until December of last year.
He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Wednesday morning by Judge Gerald Gordon QC.
Following his guilty pleas, Detective Inspector Richard Fisher, from the City of London Police, said: 'This is the biggest case of identity theft we have ever investigated, with banks, mortgage lenders and government agencies all being caught in Peters' web of deception.
'The sheer number of the fake identities we discovered are evidence of how Peters was a full-time fraudster who was committed to funding a life of excess for himself at the expense of others.
'By working closely with the DWP we have brought an end to Peters days of deceit, while at the same time sending out a warning to anyone else who likes to act as someone they are not as means to commit a crime.'
Peters fraudulently claimed council tax and housing benefit from Barking and Dagenham council, Brent and Enfield local authorities, he also helped himself to jobseeker's allowance and tax credits from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
He used the driving licences to obtain a mortgage with the Kensington Mortgage Company, worth £256,500 for a property in Edgware, and got a similar deal from Birmingham Midshires for a flat there and one in Dagenham.
Peters, of Edgware, North-West London, admitted a total of 29 charges.
They were six counts of making a false statement with a view to obtaining benefit; 12 counts of possession of criminal property; three counts of obtaining property by deception; six of fraud and four counts of possession of false identification documents.
The charges variously date between October 18, 2002 and December 1, 2010.
He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on Wednesday.
5 Jul 2011
Data matching nabs taxi driver claiming benefits
An Old Trafford man has been sentenced to more than 200 hours community service after pleading guilty to fraudulently claiming more than £7,000 in benefits.
42 year old Mahad Hasan Ciid of Pickford Court, Old Trafford was convicted on 17 June 2011 of dishonestly obtaining Job Seekers Allowance, Housing and Council Tax Benefit amounting to £7,270.
Mr Ciid pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Trafford Council's Benefits department that he had begun working as a self employed taxi driver. As a result he was overpaid Job Seekers Allowance, Housing and Council Tax Benefit between September 2007 and December 2009. He was sentenced at Trafford Magistrates to carry out 240 Hours of unpaid work within the community and to pay costs of £500. In addition to this Mr Ciid is required to repay all monies that he falsely claimed from The Department for Work and Pensions and Trafford Council.
Council Counter Fraud Officers were alerted to this matter following a Data Matching exercise that highlighted the fact that Mr Ciid held a taxi driving licence with Stockport Council but had never declared the fact that he was working to either organisation.
42 year old Mahad Hasan Ciid of Pickford Court, Old Trafford was convicted on 17 June 2011 of dishonestly obtaining Job Seekers Allowance, Housing and Council Tax Benefit amounting to £7,270.
Mr Ciid pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Trafford Council's Benefits department that he had begun working as a self employed taxi driver. As a result he was overpaid Job Seekers Allowance, Housing and Council Tax Benefit between September 2007 and December 2009. He was sentenced at Trafford Magistrates to carry out 240 Hours of unpaid work within the community and to pay costs of £500. In addition to this Mr Ciid is required to repay all monies that he falsely claimed from The Department for Work and Pensions and Trafford Council.
Council Counter Fraud Officers were alerted to this matter following a Data Matching exercise that highlighted the fact that Mr Ciid held a taxi driving licence with Stockport Council but had never declared the fact that he was working to either organisation.
4 Jul 2011
The Sun accuses man of fiddling benefits
A benefits fiddler is pocketing disability cash claiming he can barely walk - while teaching judo in strenuous martial arts workouts.
Refugee Gaby Itonga gets more than £1,000 a month in handouts - despite being a fit judo black belt.
His training routine includes pinning opponents to the mat and energetic running, leaping and forward rolls. HIV-positive Itonga, 46, trains at Tottenham Community Sports Centre, North London. He has even posted pictures of himself in judo gear on Facebook.
His handouts consist of £400-a-month Disability Living Allowance, income support, housing benefit and free rail travel. He's so flush with taxpayers' cash he turns up for classes in a gleaming silver Mercedes.
Department for Work and Pension documents leaked to The Sun show he was sent a letter in April 2008 in which officials accepted he was "virtually unable to walk" and needed "attention with bodily functions through the day".
The handout was approved based on "a report from the hospital you told us about".
The dad of two has not worked since claiming asylum from Congo's civil war more than a decade ago. Both his sons have been in jail.
A source close to his family said: "He's tough, toned and muscular. People making these decisions must never have seen him. He's never short of cash, drives a Mercedes, has business interests in the Congo and regularly goes back to party with women. He's a violent drunk who gave his wife a terrible time."
Itonga said he claimed benefits for being HIV-positive.
Light sentence for £32k benefit thief
A former binman from Blyth was spared jail after cheating the system for years. Benefit cheat Keith Griffiths claimed more than £32,000 he was not entitled to.
His claim had been genuine when it began, after he injured his back at work.
But when his wife started working at a local hospital he failed to disclose it and continued claiming benefits to which he was no longer entitled. For years the fraud went undetected.
Suspending the 52-year-old’s prison sentence, Judge Hudson, at Newcastle Crown Court, told him: “Over many many years it amounts to a very significant total sum. This did not fund a lavish lifestyle for you and your family and it is a great sadness to see you in court in these circumstances at your stage of life.”
Griffiths, of Delaval Crescent, Blyth, had begun claiming benefits in 1991.
Then in January 2009 Northumberland County Council received the anonymous call saying his wife was working and had been doing so since May 1996.
Griffiths was interviewed and immediately admitted pocketing £13,453 of income support, £12,305 of housing benefit, £4,479 of council tax benefit and £2,110 of incapacity benefit, making a total of £32,348 he was not entitled to.
Griffiths, who admitted three counts of benefit fraud, was handed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with supervision and a curfew. Tom Finch, defending, said Griffiths, who has two grown-up daughters, had started paying back his ill-gotten gains by deducting amounts from his benefits.
Mr Finch added: “This was not unlawful from the outset and there’s no suggestion the claims were to feed an extravagant lifestyle.”
His claim had been genuine when it began, after he injured his back at work.
But when his wife started working at a local hospital he failed to disclose it and continued claiming benefits to which he was no longer entitled. For years the fraud went undetected.
Suspending the 52-year-old’s prison sentence, Judge Hudson, at Newcastle Crown Court, told him: “Over many many years it amounts to a very significant total sum. This did not fund a lavish lifestyle for you and your family and it is a great sadness to see you in court in these circumstances at your stage of life.”
Griffiths, of Delaval Crescent, Blyth, had begun claiming benefits in 1991.
Then in January 2009 Northumberland County Council received the anonymous call saying his wife was working and had been doing so since May 1996.
Griffiths was interviewed and immediately admitted pocketing £13,453 of income support, £12,305 of housing benefit, £4,479 of council tax benefit and £2,110 of incapacity benefit, making a total of £32,348 he was not entitled to.
Griffiths, who admitted three counts of benefit fraud, was handed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with supervision and a curfew. Tom Finch, defending, said Griffiths, who has two grown-up daughters, had started paying back his ill-gotten gains by deducting amounts from his benefits.
Mr Finch added: “This was not unlawful from the outset and there’s no suggestion the claims were to feed an extravagant lifestyle.”
2 Jul 2011
A reader writes
The system of benefits is very unfair with some benefits being means-tested and regularly reviewed with others not.
There are people on Disability Living Allowance with Mobility allowance who have been given a free car lease with all insurance tax etc paid because they have a 'life-threatening illness' even though they have been in remission for several years and their health and mobility has been excellent.
I know someone in this enviable situation. This benefit is never reviewed even though their illness is no mobility is no longer compromised. Nor is this benefit means-tested. This applies to people with various cancers, heart conditions and HIV which have been treated leading to a long remission.
The benefit is also payable after pension age, despite the fact that many other pensioners my have greater aging infirmities for which they do not get such benefits.
It is a disgrace that there are different rules for different benefits with means-testing for some and not for others, and so many people seem to get so much while others seem to get so little.
1 Jul 2011
Publican made doctor think he couldn't walk
A BENEFITS cheat has been jailed after he was caught pretending he could not walk.
In a real-life echo of comedy show Little Britain, Peter Dixon, 48, fooled doctors for years that he needed a wheelchair to get around.
But within minutes of leaving his GP’s surgery, he would ditch the chair to work as a landlord at a busy pub. He arrived at court on foot yesterday when he was jailed for a month for swindling £7,600 by faking his disability.
Dixon, now a delivery driver, had a genuine stroke in 2005 and needed round-the-clock care.
But Preston Crown Court heard that after a full recovery he began his scam.
Investigators acting on a tip-off saw him running the Fielden Arms in Blackburn.
Prosecutors said some footage they had of him “could have come from the comedy series Little Britain”, where he was just like Matt Lucas’s character Andy.
Sky News has some footage - which dates back to January 2009.
In a real-life echo of comedy show Little Britain, Peter Dixon, 48, fooled doctors for years that he needed a wheelchair to get around.
But within minutes of leaving his GP’s surgery, he would ditch the chair to work as a landlord at a busy pub. He arrived at court on foot yesterday when he was jailed for a month for swindling £7,600 by faking his disability.
Dixon, now a delivery driver, had a genuine stroke in 2005 and needed round-the-clock care.
But Preston Crown Court heard that after a full recovery he began his scam.
Investigators acting on a tip-off saw him running the Fielden Arms in Blackburn.
Prosecutors said some footage they had of him “could have come from the comedy series Little Britain”, where he was just like Matt Lucas’s character Andy.
Sky News has some footage - which dates back to January 2009.
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