Man, 23, prosecuted for benefit fraud (From Witney Gazette)

Man, 23, prosecuted for benefit fraud

3:02pm Thursday 23rd March 2006 in Witney

A STONESFIELD man has been give a one-year conditional discharge for fraudulently claiming £370.18 of housing benefit.

David White, 23, formerly of Glovers Yard, Stonesfield, pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates' Court to cashing housing benefit cheques addressed to his landlord.

The prosecution was brought by West Oxfordshire District Council. White was given a 12-month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £80 costs.

The council said it intended to reclaim all the money he had fraudulently obtained.

The fraud inspection team, based at the council's Elmfield offices, Witney, which last year was ranked ninth most effective in the country, after uncovering £193,000 of fraud, is preparing 15 more cases for prosecution.

A spokesman said: "Benefit fraud is a crime against every resident of West Oxfordshire.

"If you know of someone who is committing benefit fraud, please call the hotline, on 01993 861234."