Benefit fraud conviction

A Bromsgrove District resident has been sentenced to 160 hours of community service after being convicted of making a false statement in regard to benefit claims.

Timothy Crowley, aged 42, of Kings Meadow, Clent pleaded guilty to two charges of having made a false statement in relation to savings held whilst receiving Council Tax Benefit and Jobseekers Allowance at Redditch Magistrates Court on 17 January 2012.

The court sentenced Crowley to a 12 month community order with 160 hours unpaid work (to be completed within the 12 months) plus £250 costs.

A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson said: "This successful prosecution for benefit fraud is the latest demonstration of how the relationship between Bromsgrove District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions is getting results for residents.

“We work to ensure that public funds are protected from abuse and for those who actually need them. Anyone found to be committing fraud against Bromsgrove District Council should expect to be investigated and action to be taken.”

Anyone that is or becomes aware of benefit fraud is encouraged to contact Bromsgrove District Council via the online fraud report function at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/fraud, by email fraud@bromsgrove.gov.uk or by telephone on the benefit fraud hotline, 01527 881221.