Two residents of Mole Valley have been prosecuted for Benefit Fraud.

In separate cases, Paul Dean and Christopher Oliver both pleaded guilty at Redhill Magistrates Court.

52 year old Dean was ordered to pay £500 in costs and sentenced to a 12-month Community Punishment Order.  He had been receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance and Housing Benefit having told authorities he was unemployed and had no savings.

An investigation discovered Dean had capital in excess of £80,000.  He later admitted failing to declare it all.

Meanwhile 31 year-old Oliver was receiving Housing Benefit having claimed he was on a low income and his partner was not in paid employment.  Oliver failed to update the District Council when his partner became employed.

He was served a Conditional Discharge for 2 years and ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

In both cases money obtained unlawfully has been or is currently being repaid.