Mental Health Solicitors

A man from Chesterfield who fraudulently claimed more than £28,000 in benefits has been spared jail.

Robert Murphy, 52, of Potters Close, Old Whittington in Chesterfield admitted he had not declared income from a private pension – and as a result had received overpayments of Council Tax and Housing Benefit over a ten-year period from 2004 to 2014.

Chesterfield Borough Council fraud investigators launched an investigation into the overpayment. However, Murphy claimed he had been advised it was not necessary to declare the income from his pension.

The chair of the magistrates hearing the case at Northern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court found, however, there was a serious long-term avoidance by Murphy in declaring his full income, which was deliberate from the outset.

Murphy was given a 24-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months –
and will be under curfew between 7pm and 7am until 1 February.

In addition, he will be required to repay the money which he claimed fraudulently – and will have to pay in weekly instalments.

Murphy was also ordered to pay an extra £100 in costs.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for business transformation, Councillor Ken Huckle, said:

“I hope this prosecution gives a clear message that it is a serious offence to claim benefits when you are not entitled to them.

“Anyone who is making a benefit claim should read the forms carefully before filling them out and declare all of the information they are asked. Anyone who is unsure should contact our benefits team for advice.”

Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Solicitors

Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge for benefit fraud, including before or during an investigation by council fraud investigators or the DWP.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid criminal defence solicitors.

In cases where a client is not eligible for Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis offers competitively priced fixed fees, wherever possible.

For expert legal advice on charges relating to benefit fraud, call Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors on 020 7923 4020.