3:29pm Tuesday 26th May 2009
BENEFITS cheats from Crewe have appeared at court as Cheshire East Council continues its crackdown on those who abuse the system.
A man and a woman were sentenced in separate cases last week following benefits fraud investigations by the new authority.
Thomas Bergin, of Holland Street, was jailed for four months by South Cheshire Magistrates after previously admitting 24 counts of falsely obtaining benefits totalling more than £22,000.
Bergin, aged 37, fraudulently claimed £18,552 in housing benefit and £3,618 in Council Tax benefit over a period of nine years.
The court heard that he submitted false benefit claim forms and forged information from his employer stating that he was earning less than his true wage.
In addition to receiving a prison sentence, Bergin is still liable to repay the overpaid benefit to the council.
Magistrates also sentenced Sara Jones, of Minshull New Road, to three months imprisonment suspended for 12 months for failing to report a change of circumstance which affected her benefit claims.
Jones, aged 30, was also handed a two-month curfew order to remain in her home between the hours of 7pm and 7am.
She was earlier found guilty of failing to declare the receipt of £30,000 capital which led to her receiving an overpayment of £7,032 in housing benefit, Council Tax benefit and Income Support from December 2007.
She was prosecuted in July 2008 in respect of benefits offences concerning the failure to report a partner in her household.
The subsequent investigation revealed the undeclared capital which she had received prior to the prosecution.
In addition to repaying the overpaid benefits, the Court ordered Jones to pay the council’s costs totaling £1,060.
Councillor Frank Keegan, portfolio holder for resources, said: “Our benefit fraud team works extremely hard to ensure that all apparent or alleged instances of fraud are fully investigated to prevent loss to Council Tax payers.
“We are committed to maintaining Cheshire East as a no-go zone for benefits cheats and will not hesitate to take action against those who abuse the system.
“These latest prosecutions send out the strong message that benefits fraud will not be tolerated in Cheshire East.”
If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud contact the council’s confidential hotline on 0800 3892787.
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