WODC benefit prosecution
From a WODC press release:
West Oxfordshire District Council has successfully prosecuted a Charlbury man on three charges of failing to promptly notify relevant changes in his circumstances in order to obtain benefits.
David Knight, 52, of Ticknell Piece Road, Charlbury, pleaded guilty at Banbury Magistrates’ Court on 20 April 2007 and narrowly escaped a prison sentence for fraudulently obtaining Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit and also Income Support totalling £20,275.40.
He was given a four month prison sentence, suspended for two years and a four month tagging curfew order which will take immediate effect. The Council will seek to recover the full amount of Housing and Council Tax Benefit which has been fraudulently obtained. The Department for Work and Pensions will seek to recover the full amount of the Income Support which has been fraudulently obtained.
Jon Dearing, Head of Revenues at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Benefit Fraud is a crime against every resident of West Oxfordshire. If you know someone who is committing benefit fraud please contact the Benefit Fraud Hotline on 01993 861234 or contact the Council via the website www.westoxon.gov.uk. We treat all calls and correspondence in confidence.”
(end of press release)
Richard Fairhurst · Tue 24 Apr 2007, 16:55 · Link