Bingo win couple in £20k benefits fraud

A couple from the Black Country claimed more than £20,000 in benefits despite winning a £50,000 bingo windfall – which was blown on a wedding and breast implants.

Nicholas Bannister and his wife Frances carried on receiving income support along with council and housing tax benefits for two years after keeping silent about their win. But their number was up yesterday afternoon when Mr Bannister was given an immediate three-month jail term and his wife a suspended six-week prison sentence.

The couple, of Dawson Street, Blakenall, each admitted a charge of failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting their entitlement to benefit at Walsall Magistrates Court. They were described as now living on a "hand to mouth" existence with no cash.

The hearing was told the pair had legitimately claimed benefits up to November 2006 when Mrs Bannister won the national prize at bingo.

They failed to declare the sum and continued receiving the financial support they were no longer entitled to until December 2008 – when the Department for Work and Pensions and Walsall Council discovered the fraud.

Nicholas Bannister, aged 32, had falsely pocketed £12,977 in income support while his 33-year-old wife had wrongly claimed £8,130 in that time.

When interviewed they said the winnings had been split with others and the money had been spent on personal pleasures.

Mr Nayan Patel, prosecuting for the DWP, said: "Mrs Bannister confirmed that she had won £52,540 but only had a quarter share of it. She stated that the money was spent on her wedding, a car, breast implants and treats for their children. However, she provided no documentary evidence to support the expenditure."

District Judge Michael Morris sentenced Mr Bannister, who already had a string of convictions including dishonesty, to a 12-week jail term. Mrs Bannister's prison term was suspended for 18 months and she was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £100 costs.