Court jails benefits cheat who lived with partner

A BENEFITS claimant has been jailed for two months after he failed to tell council officials about a change in his living arrangements.

David Griffiths, of Swansmoor Drive, Hixon, near http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/mytownstafford">Stafford, received just over £10,600 in housing and council tax benefit between August 2006 and December last year by claiming to be the only person living in his home. He also got more than £7,000 in income support.

Griffiths failed to tell Stafford Borough Council or the Department for Work and Pensions about a change in his circumstances.

The 39-year-old was actually living with a partner.

Cannock Magistrates' Court handed the defendant an eight-week prison sentence, but said it would have been longer if he had not entered an early guilty plea.

A leading councillor has now warned other people claiming benefits to ensure they tell the authority about any changes in their circumstances.

Speaking after the case, Councillor Ken Williamson, cabinet member for resources, said: "People who are entitled to financial help have nothing to worry about.

"But I would urge anyone to contact us immediately if there is a change in their circumstances.

"This sentence shows the seriousness with which the courts will treat those who carry out a fraud on the local taxpayer."