Carer made false claims on benefits
A carer who claimed benefits despite having life savings of £122,450 stashed away in his bank account has been ordered to pay it all back.
A carer who claimed benefits despite having life savings of £122,450 stashed away in his bank account has been ordered to pay it all back.
John Hughes claimed £9,360 in council tax benefit, job seekers allowance and housing benefit despite having substantial savings. Hughes had made the claim declaring he was out of work and had no savings.
District Judge Graham Wilkinson told the 57-year-old at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday: "You lined your own pockets."
Mrs Donna Richards, prosecuting, told the court Hughes, of Great Bricklin Street, Graiseley, had claimed the money between October 2008 and January this year.
She said: "It was fraudulent from the outset."
The court heard on a previous occasion that Hughes, a carer for his poorly sister, did not declare his savings on the benefits application form as he was saving for his retirement and hoped to emigrate to Australia using it.
Hughes was caught after an allegation was received by the fraud team that he had money in a bank account.
Mrs Nishi Kumar, defending, told the court her client had no previous convictions.
She said: "He has made offers to pay the full amount back immediately."
Hughes, who is currently in receipt of carers allowance, admitted two charges of making a false statement to obtain benefits and two of failing to notify change of circumstances.
Judge Wilkinson told Hughes: "It was fraudulent from the outset. You lined your own pockets. Your only motivation for this offence was to get money. You stole from the taxpayer."
Judge Wilkinson ordered Hughes to pay a £700 fine, £320 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Hughes is currently repaying the £9,360 overpayment.