A benefit swindler pocketed more than £28,000 despite getting just over £36,000 in inheritance following the death of his grandmother.
Hartlepool man Duncan Ward carried on claiming housing and council benefit despite coming into a £36,830 “pot of gold” from his grandmother’s estate.
It comes as town mum Lisa Robinson illegally claimed £24,734 in income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit despite being given £60,000 inheritance and being paid £129 a week for working as self-employed collections agent.
By law, benefits claimants with savings of more than £5,550 must declare this cash or it may affect their entitlement to housing benefit and council tax.
Benefits chiefs say that while they want everyone elligible to claim what they are entitled to, they will not tolerate people scamming the system.
A court heard Ward illegally claimed £28,395 over four years.
The 42-year-old, who appeared at Hartlepool Magistrates’ Court on crutches and accompanied by his mother, was given a suspended prison sentence.
Chairman of the magistrates’ bench Peter Heron told him: “I believe custody is appropriate because of the high level of the amount involved.
“But we also believe we can suspend that because of your previous good character and recommendation from probation, early guilty plea and co-operation.”
Tony McNab, prosecuting on behalf of Hartlepool Borough Council, told the court that Ward had been receiving income support since January 2003.
He also received housing and council tax benefit and was made aware on numerous occasions he must advise of any changes in his circumstances that would affect his claim.
Mr McNab added: “Details were received from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in December 2010 that Mr Ward may have undeclared capital.
“Bank statements were obtained that showed Mr Ward received just over £25,600 on November 10, 2006, and a further amount of just under £11,230 on May 24, 2007.
“Further bank statements were received that showed £25,000 being transferred in or around November 13, 2006.”
The court heard Ward was interviewed and he admitted he had received money from his grandmother’s estate.
Mr McNab said Ward had repaid the council tax element and income support parts of the over-payment.
Ward admitted failing to notify the council and the DWP of a change in circumstances between November 10, 2006, and November 23, 2010.
Neil Taylor, mitigating, said: “My client’s original claim was not fraudulent - it only occurred when he didn’t disclose his inheritance. He was always entitled until the pot of gold came in.”
He said Ward had paid some of the money back “as soon as he possibly could” but added: “His position was made difficult because of debts he had accrued.”
Mr Heron sentenced Ward to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months and a 12-month supervision order, with £350 costs.
What punishment is that? What consequences of his action does he experience?
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