Wolverhampton benefits cheat who stole over £7,000 hit with curfew

Peter Sargant, of Dunkley Street, Wolverhampton, received Jobseekers Allowance every fortnight for two years despite also earning cash in a part-time job.

The 49-year-old, who had previously admitted fraud by false representation at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court, was given a 12-week curfew.

It will limit him to being in his home between the hours of 7pm and 3am.

Mr Roger Blezzard, prosecuting, said: "The claims were not fraudulent from inception but the defendant took on employment while in receipt of benefits, which led to this over payment.

"He may have thought he was still entitled to this but he had signed documents declaring that he would inform the relevant authorities of any change in his circumstances."

The court heard that Sargant had started work after he began claiming benefits and the overpayment was due to him being 'naive'.

Defence solicitor Glenn Cook said: "This is a man of good character who has got into this situation thanks to his own naivety more than anything.

"He should have known it was his responsibility to disclose any change in circumstances.

"He has already offered to start paying back the money and is remorseful for his actions.

"There is no history of offending here and this is a man who will not be back in front of a court again.

"He is even scared to the point that he has told me if he lost his job, he would be extremely hesitant to even apply for a benefit which he knew he would be entitled to.

"This isn't a situation he is going to put himself in again."

Sargant received a total of £7,119 in benefits while working 12 hours a week for Grosvenor Cleaning Services.

He had claimed the money between August 28, 2012 and September 12, 2014.

Magistrates chairman Stephen Russell said: "I have to start by saying that £7,000 is a substantial amount of money and I am sure it is going to be a long period of time before that money is reimbursed.

"In a way, what you have done is theft, you have taken money that you weren't entitled to.

"We will accept that you don't want to be back here again and that you have a record of good character but a curfew is a suitable punishment."

Sargant was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £65 victim surcharge.