Benefits cheat narrowly avoids immediate jail sentence

Leicester magistrates were told on Friday (22 July 2011) that Paul Chavez (previously Bodycote) (42) of Newlands Road, Barwell received a total of £22,384.09 in Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Incapacity Benefit, while claiming that he was too ill to work and was unable to support himself financially. 

Each time his claim was reviewed during a two-and-a-half year period, Chavez maintained that he was too sick to work and that apart from his Incapacity Benefit he had no income.

However, a fraud investigation by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Jobcentre Plus revealed that for two-and-a-half years from December 2007, Chavez had a permanent full-time job with Morrisons and was working up to 39 hours a week.

When confronted by the evidence of his fraudulent claims, Chavez failed to attend any of his interviews under caution and flatly refused to co-operate with investigation officers.

When he appeared in court, Chavez admitted two counts of dishonestly making false representations to the council and Jobcentre Plus and a further two counts of dishonestly failing to disclose information about his true circumstances.

In sentencing Chavez to a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, the magistrates said that he narrowly avoided immediate custody for a sustained and deliberate fraud against the benefit system.

The magistrates also ordered him to undertake a supervision order, in addition to repaying all of the benefit money he has fraudulently obtained.

Speaking after the case, Claire Webber, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Fraud Team Leader said: “This is a case where Mr Chavez worked full time for over two years, picking up a decent salary while all the time receiving benefits because he was claiming to be too sick to work. His claims only came to an end when his fraud was discovered.”

“If you suspect that someone is stealing benefits, call our hotline on 01455 255685. Your call will be kept completely confidential, you can remain anonymous and you will be helping us in our fight against fraud in your Borough,” she added.

ENDS