main content Benefit Fraudster prosecuted

A benefit fraudster was recently sentenced at Bromley Magistrates' Court bringing the total prosecuted to 80 since the inception of Bromley Council’s partnership with Greenwich Council in April 2002.

Council Leader Stephen Carr said “This prosecution is further evidence of our intention to vigorously pursue fraudsters. With an expectation of tougher sentences imposed by the courts, we hope this will act as a deterrent against fraud.”

Shawn Hutson, 21, of Turpington Lane, Bromley, pleaded guilty to defrauding Bromley Council of benefits totalling in excess of £1,600 over a 6 month period to April 2006. He had failed to declare that his job seekers allowance had ceased. Mr Hutson was sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay legal costs of £300.

The Council is in the process of recovering the benefit overpayments in this case.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• For media enquiries, please contact Luis Remedios on 020 8313 4886 or email luis.remedios@bromley.gov.uk
• Further information is available at www.bromley.gov.uk
• Anyone with any information about a suspected benefit fraud should contact (in strict confidence) the Fraud Hotline on 0800 169 6975
• Bromley Council works in partnership with Greenwich Council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team.
• This prosecution brings to 80 the number of prosecutions for the period April 2002 to the end of November 2006.