Enderby EYE

the village ...and beyond

What Price Brotherly Love?

12 February 2008

Ross Matthews [24] of Oaks Court, Narborough was ordered to pay £1,510.08 in costs and received a 12 month conditional discharge for helping his brother commit benefit fraud.

He pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates Court on 7th February 2008, to making false statements and providing false documents to help his unemployed brother James claim Housing Benefit.

Ross was the tenant of 16 Hornbeam Close, Narborough. In September 2006, his brother James moved in with him.

Housing Benefit is not payable when you live with a close relative, so James claimed that he lived there alone and rented the property from his cousin - Ross Matthews of Whetstone. Ross completed a bogus tenancy agreement and rent book to support the claim. James falsely claimed £715·00 in Housing Benefit between September and November 2006.

When the fraud was uncovered, Ross failed to attend numerous appointments at Blaby District Council to discuss his involvement.

Whereas James insisted he had always lived at the property alone and had been duped into signing the false tenancy agreement by his cousin.

James continued with his fabricated story even when shown birth certificates, pretending surprise that Ross was actually his brother.

The case had been listed for Trial as the brothers had pleaded Not Guilty at earlier hearings.

The court was finally notified of their change in pleas the day before the trial. Sentencing reflected that although given little notice, the prosecution witnesses were not subjected to giving evidence in the court.

Unemployed James Matthews [29] of Jasmine Court, Narborough pleaded guilty to 3 charges of making false statements to obtain Housing Benefit. He was ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work in the community and pay £200 towards the prosecution costs.

Councillor Ernie White, Leader of the Council commented:

"This result, along with many other successful cases, should serve as a warning to anyone who is involved in benefit fraud. If they believe they can get away with stealing taxpayers' money, they are mistaken."

"We have a duty to the residents of Blaby District to stop any fraudsters. If you suspect someone in the district is committing benefit fraud; call our confidential hotline on 0116 272 7733"

"We do, on the other hand, try to do all we can to ensure that everyone who is genuinely entitled to benefits knows how to claim them - if you think you may be eligible to receive housing benefit or council tax benefit, you should call us for advice on 0116 272 7581."

Associated links:

» Blaby District Council

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