Willenhall benefits fraudster failed to tell officials about two of his three homes
A carer fraudulently claimed more than £18,500 in benefits after failing to tell officials about two homes which he owned.
Terence Gordon began claiming both income support and council tax benefit in 2010 after informing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Walsall Council that he was caring for his elderly father.
He failed, however, to tell them about two of three homes which he owned – one in Gladeside Close, Walsall, and the other in Talbot Street, Winson Green, Birmingham.
Miss Samantha Powis, prosecuting at Wolverhampton Crown Court, told a judge that combined the properties were worth in excess of £90,000.
Gordon, of Summer Street, Willenhall, also failed to tell the two authorities about three bank accounts which were in his name. His benefits payments were being made on the basis he was a carer with no capital assets.
In total, between August 2010 and October 2015, Gordon fraudulently claimed £18,557.80.
At Walsall Magistrates’ Court last month the 51-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonestly making a false statement to obtain a benefit.
And at crown court, he was handed a seven month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid work.
Miss Powis said: “In interview he said the claim forms were initially correct and that although the names on the properties were his he did not class them as his.
“He said Talbot Street was his father’s home but acknowledged his name was on the deeds and was legally the owner.
“He said Gladeside Close was owned by a man named Stephen Clarke and that he was given money by Stephen Clarke to pay the mortgage.
“He couldn’t explain the fact the rent he got was more than double the mortgage payments.”
Miss Lynette McClement, defending, said her client had made efforts to make repayments since being snared.
She added: “When you look at how he dealt with his family relationships and friendships, there is an element of naivety.
“I have to concede this was a dishonest claim from the outset. He knew full well that not all his assets had been declared.
“He has made efforts to make repayments. He is not employed. He is no longer in receipt of any form of benefit.”
Gordon was told by Judge Simon Ward he is likely he will lose his properties following Proceeds of Crime proceedings in the new year.
