Retford: Benefits cheat who claimed more than £8,000 illegally gets six-month curfew

A Retford benefits cheat who illegally claimed over £8,000 has received a curfew order after pleading guilty at Worksop Magistrates Court.
Worksop Magistrates courtWorksop Magistrates court
Worksop Magistrates court

Paul Smith, of Wright Wilson Street, had failed to notify Bassetlaw Council that he had received additional monies from his employers and had continued to receive housing and Council Tax benefits.

Since being assessed in August 2009 and claiming benefits for a period of two and a half years, Smith’s average weekly wage had doubled.

As a result he was overpaid £6,826.28 in housing benefit and £1,364.33 in Council Tax benefit, taking the total overpayment to £8,190.61.

Smith was given a six-month curfew order to remain at his home address between 7pm and 4.30am, seven days a week.

He was also ordered to pay £360 costs and repay the overpayments in full.