Legal News
Builder sentenced to two years for benefit fraud (30 May 2014)
Date: 30/05/2014
A builder from Penryn in Cornwall has been found guilty of two benefit fraud charges, after the court heard that he claimed £40,000 in welfare benefits while working.
Craig Miles also fraudulently persuaded an acquaintance to give him £18,000 to buy bankrupt window stock, which he claimed he would sell at a profit.
A court at Truro heard that Miles was in receipt of Carer’s Allowance relating to his wife Tanya Miles while they were living together at Highfield Road in Camelford.
The couple fraudulently claimed £33,445.49 in income support and £9,519.50 in housing and council tax benefit between 2007 and 2009, the court heard. Mrs Miles received the Income Support and Housing and Council Tax Benefit payments, as the family had no declared income.
However, the Department of Work and Pensions took action after receiving a tip off that her husband was receiving an income from working as a builder and maintenance man, under the name “Gardens and Gates”.
Miles – of Higher Market Street, Penryn – appeared in court at Truro last Friday (23/05/14) and pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud, including two counts of benefit fraud.
The court sentenced him to six years in prison – three to be served in custody and three years on licence.
The sentence included two years for the Benefit Fraud offences, to be served consecutively.
Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Solicitors
Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge for benefit fraud, including benefit fraud relating to Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Council Tax, Bedroom Tax or Housing Benefit.
For expert legal advice on benefit fraud charges contact Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors on 020 7923 4020.