Stapleford man guilty of benefit fraud
17 March, 2009
Broxtowe Borough Council prosecuted Mr Ian Baker of 15, Longden Close, Stapleford after an investigation by the Councils fraud team.
Ian Baker was charged with two offences including: On 27 October 2002 he did make a statement or representation which he knew to be false namely that in his Claim Form dated 27 October 2002 he stated his only income to be incapacity benefit and child’s benefit and he was also receiving a private pension from the University of Nottingham leading to an overpayment of housing and council tax benefit contrary to Section 112(1)(a) Social Security Administration Act 1992.
And between 21 April 2004 and 10 August 2008 he did dishonestly fail to give notification of various changes of circumstances namely the lottery win of £135,808.00 on 21 April 2004 and the existence of three Lloyds TSB bank account held in his wife’s name which would have affected his entitlement to housing and council tax benefit contrary to Section 111A(1A) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
Pleaded guilty
At the hearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 11 February 2009 Mr Ian Baker pleaded guilty to both offences.
The matter was adjourned to 12 February 2009 to allow for the Probation Service to prepare a fast delivery report.
Mr. Baker asserted a defence and mitigation based on unusual medical grounds which prompted the Court to adjourn the matter for more details before proceeding to sentence.
On 25 February 2009 District Judge Cooper after receiving and considering a medical report, the Court proceeded to sentenced Mr Baker to 180 days in prison concurrent on both charges suspended for one year.
In addition he ordered a community penalty following the recommendation from the Probation Service with an unpaid work requirement of 150 hours over 12 months.
Mr Baker has been ordered to pay a contribution towards the Council’s costs in the sum of £150 which will be deducted from his benefits at £5 per week.
Mr Baker is paying the Council the sum of £15 a week off his overpayment of benefits which was a total of £18,253.33.
By News Correspondent.
