Benefits charges

A Perthshire man has denied a £16,000-plus benefits scam, said to have taken place over a nearthree-year-period.

Roddy Whannel (35), of Over Fingask Farm Cottage, Rait, had a further hearing fixed for Perth Sheriff Court on March 15.

It is alleged that between May 1, 2013, and January 11, 2016, at Lomond View, Bogmiln Farm, Inchture, and at his present home, he failed to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in his circumstances which he knew would affect his entitlement to benefits.

It is claimed that he was living with - and maintaining a common household - with Lisa Smith or Perrie, who was in paid employment.

As a result, he is said to have obtained Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related) totalling £10,386.94p, to which he wasn’t entitled.

It is also alleged that he obtained £6,426.77p in Housing Benefit from Perth and Kinross Council between February 10, 2014, and January 17, 2016, again by failing to give prompt notification of a change in his circumstances.