19 - Benefit cheat pleads guilty

A benefits cheat who falsely claimed more than £700 was uncovered with the help of a data matching exercise.

 

Will Geddes, aged 40, of Dudley Road, Sedgley, pleaded guilty to benefit fraud offences at Dudley Magistrates Court.

 

Electronic data comparisons between different government computer systems highlighted to Dudley Council that Geddes had stopped receiving job seekers allowance (JSA). He had, however, continued to claim housing and council tax benefit on the basis he was still receiving JSA.

 

Geddes falsely claimed more than £700 in housing and council tax benefit between March and July 2007.

 

Council staff attempted to interview Geddes on numerous occasions but he failed to attend appointments, leaving the council no alternative but to pursue him through the courts.

 

Magistrates imposed an 18-month conditional discharge and Geddes was ordered to pay £250 costs when he appeared before them on May 1.

 

The council is seeking recovery of the overpaid benefit.

 

“Dudley Council takes benefit fraud seriously and I hope this case serves as a deterrent to others who consider defrauding the system. 

 

“Claimants who refuse to be interviewed when requested should know that they increase the possibility of the council pursuing formal criminal action through the courts”.

 

Residents should report cases of suspected fraud, in confidence, to the council’s benefit fraud investigation team 24-hour hotline on 01384 815635, or use the online form on the council’s website www.dudley.gov.uk