East Yorkshire benefits cheat must pay £3k (From York Press)

Benefits cheat James Hubbard must pay £3k

9:48am Tuesday 10th July 2012 in East Yorkshire news

AN East Yorkshire man faces a court bill of nearly £3,000 after he lied to benefit officials about his savings.

James Hubbard, 63, of Walkergate, Beverley, claimed he had no income and about £10,000 in capital. But he failed to declare several bank accounts holding more than £16,000 between them.

Hubbard admitted benefit fraud when he appeared at Beverley Magistrates Court.

He was fined £200, plus £564.40 prosecution costs and was told to repay the £2,128.31 council tax benefit he obtained illegally between September 2008 and March 2011.

Jeff Taylor, principal fraud investigation and enforcement officer of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council does not tolerate abuse of the benefit system.

“We are determined to safeguard the funds available for genuine claimants. Anyone found to be fraudulently claiming benefit faces being brought before the courts and, if convicted, receiving a criminal record.”