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Two More Prosecutions for Benefit Fraud

Released on 15 Jul 2008

Mr Rodney Pearce formally of Greater Leys, now residing in Bicester, was successfully prosecuted by Oxford City Council  for dishonestly claiming Housing and Council Tax.

Mr Pearce was overpaid Housing Benefit of £6,175.10 and Council Tax benefit of £577.62 between 19 June 2006 and 12 February 2007 as he failed to declare a change in his circumstances on 19 June 2006.

On Thursday 10 July 2008, Mr Pearce appeared before Oxford Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to the charge of failing to notify of a change in his circumstances. The court passed the sentence of a conditional discharge for 12 months and was ordered to pay costs of £400 to the council.

Mr Abaz Losha of Barton, Oxford was also successfully prosecuted by Oxford City Council for dishonestly claiming Housing and Council Tax Benefit to which he was not entitled.

Mr Losha was overpaid Housing Benefit of £3,001.16 and Council Tax Benefit of £237.09 between 15 January 2007 and 7 April 2008. He failed to inform Oxford City Council of a change of circumstance, this being that his wife had commenced work on 8 January 2007. He also made two false statements on 29 January 2007 and 23 March 2007 on application forms for Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

Mr Abaz Losha appeared before Oxford City Magistrates Court on Friday 11 July 2008. The Court passed the sentence of 100 Hours Community Punishment Order. Costs of £350.70 were awarded to Oxford City Council.

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