Blyth benefit cheat must pay back in full

Aug 12 2010 The Journal

A MAN claimed more than £12,000 in benefits he was not entitled to over four years, magistrates were told.

Stuart Dunn, 38, fraudulently pocketed housing and council tax benefits on three separate properties in Blyth between 2004 and 2008.

He failed to declare that at the same time as claiming the money he was working or receiving working tax credits, the court heard.

Dunn, of Thoroton Hotel, Blyth, was prosecuted by Northumberland County Council’s anti-fraud team after his offences came to light.

He pleaded guilty at Bedlington Magistrates’ Court to failing to declare income from 15 different employers since 2003, or tax credit income, to the council and the Department for Works and Pension.

In all, he fraudulently claimed benefits totalling £2,740.

Dunn was given a four-month community sentence and will be electronically monitored for three months. He was placed under a curfew from 7pm to 7am, seven days a week.

He will also have the repay the money he fraudulently claimed in full.