Benefits cheat had £70,000 savings

A FRAUDSTER who had more than £70,000 of undeclared savings has been sentenced to a 12-month community order for illegally claiming benefits.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Feb 2012, 10:08 BST

Geoffrey Ward, previously of Alexandra Road in Dronfield and now of High Street at Clay Cross, received more than £20,000 in overpaid benefits from North East Derbyshire District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

The court heard how the 60-year-old illegally claimed Council Tax Benefit, Income Support and Job Seekers’ Allowance by failing to declare his savings.

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The prosecution followed a joint investigation by North East Derbyshire District Council and the DWP into overpayments totalling £20,215 over two years.

Ward received a 12-month community order plus 150 hours of unpaid work, at the hearing at Derby Crown Court last Thursday, February 23.

He had pleaded guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing.

Speaking after the hearing, Coun Pat Kerry from North East Derbyshire District Council said: “This latest case highlights how benefit thieves disregard the system and take money intended for the most vulnerable.”

Related topics:Department for Work and Pensions