Curfew and tag for Aylesbury benefit cheat

Archived press release

Date Published: 14/06/12

An Aylesbury man has had a curfew imposed and been electronically tagged for cheating council taxpayers out of almost £20,000.

Johnny Heartbreaker, of Dunsham Lane, failed to declare that he was married and his wife was living with him while he continued to claim housing and council tax benefit and income support as a lone parent.

He admitted three charges of failing to disclose a change in circumstances when he appeared before Aylesbury Magistrates.

Between March 2009 and August 2011, Mr Heartbreaker received £18,580.96 in overpayments in housing and council tax benefit and income support.

On 11 June at Aylesbury Magistrates’ Court, Mr Heartbreaker was given a curfew order that requires him to stay in his home from 7pm to 7am and to wear an electronic tag for four months. He was also ordered to pay £100 towards costs.

The case was brought by the Department for Work and Pensions and Aylesbury Vale District Council following a joint investigation.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “The vast majority of benefit claimants are honest. However, there are a few people determined to cheat the system. That’s why we always take action when we can prove that claimants have deliberately broken the law. Anyone who has received overpayments should contact us as soon as possible so that the issue can be resolved.”

Anyone with information that can help catch a benefit cheat, should call AVDC’s confidential hotline on 01296 585570.

Benefit fraud can also be reported on the council’s website (www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk). People do not have to give their name and they can be assured of complete confidentiality at all times.