Fraudster motivated by greed is sent to jail
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
26/02/2008
Benefits cheat gets a custodial sentence
A judge described a benefits cheat as being motivated by greed rather than need before sentencing the man to six months imprisonment.
Mr John Wilson, 61, of Oakbury Road, SW6 was given the custodial sentence after H&F Council took action against him for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit overpayments in excess of £25,000.
Mr Wilson had been claiming benefits from March 2001, but had not declared to the council that he had two bank accounts. When this fact was uncovered by the council, an investigation was launched that proved that Mr Wilson had savings in excess of £100,000!
Councillor Greg Smith, cabinet member for crime and anti-social behaviour, said, “Anyone who seeks to claim benefits dishonestly should think twice. This council is very effective at uncovering fraud and it will not hesitate to use the full force of the law to stop individuals stealing from the public purse.
“The fact that the judge felt that a custodial sentence was appropriate in this case goes to further underline the seriousness of this sort of crime. Neither the council, nor the courts, are prepared to tolerate benefits fraudsters.”
Mr Wilson appeared at West London Magistrates Court on 16 October 2007 where he pleaded not guilty and elected to go to trial at the Crown Court. However, at a hearing on 16 January 2008 Mr Wilson pleaded guilty to two charges of dishonestly making false statements to obtain benefits.
On 18 February 2008 Mr Wilson appeared for sentencing at Blackfriars Crown Court, and while a probation report recommended a suspended sentence with a community order, the judge was not minded to take that advice. His Honour Judge Martineau said he could not follow the recommendation of the probation report due to the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the defendant had quite deliberately deceived the council.
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