Fraudster is ordered to pay back £26,000
A fraudster who claimed he couldn't get a job because of a hand condition pocketed thousands of pounds in benefits – while working as a welder.
Brian Lawrence netted more than 26,000 between April 2004 and August 2006.
But at the same time the 52-year-old held down a string of jobs across Havant, Waterlooville, Selsey and Southampton as a welder, sheet metal worker and night shift packer.
The fraud came to light when computer records showed Lawrence was claiming incapacity benefit while also being paid a wage.
At Portsmouth Crown Court Lawrence of Farleigh Close, Havant, was spared an immediate sentence.
Instead, he was given a suspended sentence and ordered to complete 120 hours unpaid work for the community.
Recorder Alastair Malcolm QC said: 'This was a substantial amount of money you claimed.
'In these times people need to realise that if they defraud the state the sort of sentence they face is going to be custody.'
Lawrence's initial claim for benefits had been legitimate.
But he failed to tell the Department for Work and Pensions and Havant Borough Council that he was also earning a wage.
The court heard Lawrence was having around 30 deducted from the benefits he now legitimately receives to pay back the cash he claimed fraudulently.
Lawrence admitted three counts of failing to notify a change of circumstance to the authorities.
A spokeswoman for the DWP said: 'No one should think they can get away with benefit theft.
'As Mr Lawrence has found out, people who commit benefit fraud face fines, imprisonment and other penalties.
'DWP and local authority investigators are working together to track down those guilty of stealing money they aren't entitled to, bringing them before the courts and making them face the consequences of their action,' she added.
If you have information about anyone committing benefit fraud you can call The National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440.
HOTLINE TO REPORT BENEFIT THIEVES
If you know of anyone committing benefit theft, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) wants to hear about it.
You can report a benefit thief online.
Alternatively, you can call the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440. Your call is free and confidential.
Lines are open 7am to 11pm, seven days a week.
If you have speech or hearing problems you can use a text phone service on 0800 328 0512.
If your circumstances have changed, you need to notify the DWP straight away. Contact the office that pays your benefit.
And if you receive housing benefit or council tax benefit, remember to tell your local council as well.
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