Benefit cheat pocketed £72k

DAD HID THE FACT HE HAD A WIFE FOR YEARS

A benefit cheat pocketed more than £72,000 by hiding the fact he had a wife.

Louis Bell claimed state handouts for about 15 years on the basis he was a single man and did not mention he was married to a woman who was working.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 69-year-old accepts his actions were “despicable” but said it started off due to his debts then he felt he “couldn’t get out of the hole he was in”.

The court heard he is remorseful, apologetic and has startedpayingbackthemoney heshouldneverhaveclaimed.

Bell, of Felstead Crescent, Sunderland, admitted four charges of benefit fraud and was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with a sixmonth curfew from 7pm to 7am.

Prosecutor Nick Lane told the court: “Over the course of the life of the payments, there were a number of occasions when he was required to make new claims or confirm his details.

“He failed to declare he was in fact a married man and his wife was in receipt of a salary.

“He said his daughter lived with him but made no admission his wife was living there.

“Evidence showed she worked 24 hours a week and they were living together.”

Recorder Anthony Kelbrick told him: “There are many judges sitting in this court who would simply say they would not even consider suspending such a sentence, despite your age and previous good character. In this case, I am prepared to suspend the sentence.”

The court heard Bell has started paying back the money at a rate of £330 a month.