Pocklington man admits £11,500 benefits fraud

Kevin Stevens, 55, of Kirkland Street, Pocklington, admitted at making false statements to East Riding Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to obtain council tax benefit and jobseekers’ allowance over a three year period.

Beverley Magistrates sentenced Stevens to 60 hours of unpaid work and ordered him to pay £85 towards costs.

He was also told he will have to repay the £11,632.20 he fraudulently claimed between August 2009 and November 2012.

The prosecution followed a joint investigation by the council and DWP.

Jeff Taylor, principal fraud investigation and enforcement officer at East Riding Council, said: “Joint working is a highly effective weapon against fraudsters.

“We are committed to safeguarding public funds and ensuring money goes to those who genuinely need it and not to the dishonest minority.”

The investigation found that Stevens had failed to declare more than £16,000 he was keeping in several bank accounts.

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud in the East Riding can call the 24-hour benefit fraud hotline in confidence on 01482 394949, text message 07786 200850 or email [email protected]

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