Man jailed for benefit fraud (From Witney Gazette)

Man jailed for benefit fraud

9:14pm Tuesday 9th September 2008 in Witney By Amanda Williams

A benefit fraudster has been jailed after illegally claiming cash while working.

Mark Churchill, 39, of Wadards Meadow, Witney, admitted claiming £6,095.52 housing benefit, council tax benefit and incapacity benefit while in employment.

The case was brought by West Oxfordshire District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions at Oxford Magistrates' Court on June 13, but Churchill did not attend.

When he was arrested on September 2 for failing to attend court, he was given a 12-week sentence. On his release the council will seek to recover the outstanding benefits, a spokesman said.