NEWS RELEASES
In prison for benefit fraud
5 August 2008
A MAN from Billingshurst is now in prison having been found guilty of benefit fraud.
Gordon Cecil New of High Street, Billingshurst appeared at Hove Crown Court on 27 June for sentencing having pleaded guilty to four charges at the hearing of Horsham Magistrates Court on 14 April this year.
The case was taken to court by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and was a joint investigation between the DWP and Horsham District Council.
He was sentenced to eight months imprisonment on each charge to run concurrently.
The Judge stated that he had acted dishonestly to obtain money over a period of years and that the sum involved, over £49,000, was a very, very, very large sum.
The overpayment was a combination of Income Support and Pension Credit totalling £10,302.02, Housing Benefit of £34,282.94 and Council Tax of £4,415.04.
The money owed to Horsham District Council is being recovered by the Council.
Speaking of the case, Andy New, Principal Investigations Officer at Horsham District Council, said:
“It is very reassuring that, together with the other agencies involved, our partnership working and our many checks and systems picked this up.
“This sends yet another strong message to everyone that we will go to great lengths to protect public funds and will seek to prosecute anyone suspected of benefit fraud.
“If anyone is in doubt about receiving too much benefit or if their circumstances have changed since they first claimed it, I strongly recommend they talk with us as soon as possible on 01403 215275.”
A confidential Benefit Fraud hotline has been set up by Horsham District Council for reports of suspected false claims – please call 01403 215511 or visit the Council's website for more information.
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk