GRAVESEND: Benefit cheat who lied about £40,000 savings sentenced (From News Shopper)

GRAVESEND: Benefit cheat who lied about £40,000 savings sentenced

9:16am Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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A BENEFIT cheat who lied about having £40,000 in savings to falsely claim more than £6,000 has avoided prison.

Martin Ware-Lane, of Hampton Crescent, Gravesend, was sentenced to 250 hours community service at Dartford Magistrates’ Court on August 24 after admitting three counts of benefit fraud.

The court heard the 54-year-old failed to tell the authorities he had the money saved and claimed £4,506 in housing benefit, £1,129 in council tax benefit and £731 in job seekers allowance.

Ware-Lane has already paid back the falsely claimed housing benefit and will re-pay the council tax benefit and job seekers allowance in monthly installments.

To report a suspected benefit cheat, call Gravesham Council between 8am and 5pm on 01474 337231 or leave a message on its 24-hour voicemail service on 01474 337400.