Man claimed despite significant savings (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Man claimed despite significant savings

6:33pm Sunday 28th October 2012 in News By Stuart Arnold

A MAN who fraudently claimed more than £8,000 in benefits while failing to declare he had £90,000 worth of savings has been given a six-month conditional discharge by a judge.

Paul Whaley told investigators he believed the cash, which he had invested in bonds following the sale of his late father's home, was effectively tied up until he reached retirement, and therefore he failed to declare it.

Teesside Crown Court heard that 50-year-old Whaley, of Avon Close, Thornaby, had paid back £8,505 which amounted for most, if not all, of the money fraudently claimed.

The defendant admitted two counts of making a false statement in order to obtain job seekers allowance along with council tax and housing benefit in March and December 2009.

Whaley also had £10,000 worth of savings with Barclays, although he did declare this to the authorities.

He was said to have made a mistake, rather than been dishonest, and as soon as he realised his error made efforts to put it right.

Judge Peter Armstrong gave him a six-month conditional discharge and warned Whaley he could still face confiscation proceedings.