Accused falsely claimed benefits for seven years

Apr 17 2008

A HAMILTON man has been fined after falsely claiming more than £10,000 in benefits.

Peter Barclay (55), of Fraser Crescent, claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit for nearly seven years despite not being entitled to them.

Between October 4, 1999, and April 16, 2006, he pocketed £6750 in housing benefit and £3306 of council tax benefit from South Lanarkshire Council — a total of £10,056.

Barclay claimed to council employees at Brandon Gate, Leechlee Road, Hamilton that his household income was from incapacity benefits.

However, he was receiving a pension throughout the period, Hamilton Sheriff Court was told.

Barclay admitted the fraud in January, 2007.

Since then sentence has been deferred for good behaviour, and for the 55-year-old to make restitution to the authority.

Due to data protection issues, a South Lanarkshire Council spokesperson could not comment on how much Barclay had paid back.

However, it is understood the council have received at least £650 from him so far.

At the sheriff court last week Sheriff David Bicket fined Barclay £400 for the offence.