Shirebrook man guilty of benefit fraud

Together with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), we have successfully prosecuted a local Shirebrook man who was overallowed nearly £2,300 in benefits.
 
Adrian Ratcliffe, (39) of Central Drive, Shirebrook, Mansfield pleaded guilty at Chesterfield Magistrates Court, to failing to declare he was working as a doorman for Level 1 Security between July 2008 to March 2009. Mr Ratcliffe received Jobseekers Allowance and Council Tax Benefit totalling £2,297.91 during this period to which he was not entitled.
 
Mr Ratcliffe was convicted under Section 1 (2) (b) of The Fraud Act 2006 following a joint investigation. He was fined £166, with an additional £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge and has repaid the overpayments to the Departments.

A Council spokesperson said, “This is a blatant case of benefit fraud and one that we will not tolerate. The defendant had every opportunity to tell us he was working,  but did not, so we had no choice but to take court action which was successful. This should serve as a warning to others that we will find out and we will take action if you are involved in fraud and claiming benefits you are not entitled to.”

If you know of anyone who you suspect is committing benefit fraud, then please contact us on 01246 242444 or email fraud@bolsover.gov.uk

Date issued: 20th September 2010

Last Updated on Monday, 20 September 2010 09:30