Suspended jail for cheat who worked and drew benefits

Robert Broughton, 40, of Ainslie Street, Grimsby, was given a 12-week sentence, suspended for a year, after he admitted five charges of failing to report a change in circumstances and making false statements to obtain benefits.

Broughton, who was sentenced at Grimsby Magistrates' Court following a joint investigation by North East Lincolnshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

He had claimed incapacity benefit, income support and council tax benefit on the basis that he was unable to work.

However, since February 2007, he had worked for two-and-a-half years, receiving wages of more than 180 a week.

In total, Broughton received 12,630.16 in incapacity benefit, 6,790.20 in income support, and 1,431.00 in council tax benefit – money he would not have been entitled to had he correctly declared his earnings. In addition to the sentence imposed by the court, Broughton must repay the overpaid benefit in full.

The council and the DWP will pursue recovery of the money.

Passing sentence, magistrates told Broughton that he had only been spared immediate custody because he was a carer.

Coun Tony McCabe, deputy leader of the council, said the successful prosecution showed the authority would not tolerate benefit cheats.

He said: "This case demonstrates the council's zero tolerance policy on fraudsters and our commitment to working with our partners to effectively investigate and prosecute fraudsters who seek to steal public money."

The council urged anyone who suspects someone of committing similar offences to call its benefit fraud hotline on 01472 273334, or report it via the council's website.

Information can be given anonymously and will be treated in confidence.