A 70-year-old man has been accused of benefits fraud after allegedly concealing thousands of pounds in multiple bank accounts. Robert Alan McKie is facing charges from Gateshead Council for allegedly claiming council tax support in the form of housing benefits over a five-year period.
The local authority alleges that McKie failed to disclose the existence of £88,000 across six separate bank accounts between October 2018 and November 2023. He is facing two charges of dishonestly failing to disclose information to gain financial advantage.
McKie appeared at South Tyneside Magistratesâ Court last week, where he did not enter a plea to the charges. The court heard that the alleged offences relate to McKie's failure to inform Gateshead Local Authority of his possession of capital exceeding permitted limits for claiming council tax support.
"Between October 22, 2018, and November 20, 2023, at Ryton, committed fraud in that you dishonestly failed to disclose to Gateshead Local Authority information, namely possessed capital in excess of permitted limits, which you were under a legal duty to disclose, intending, by that failure, to make a gain, namely Council Tax Support," the court was told.
McKie, of Eden Dale, Ryton, is also accused of a similar offence regarding his claim for housing benefit. He has been granted bail until his next court appearance at Newcastle Crown Court on September 11.
This case follows another recent incident of benefit fraud. Earlier this month, a benefits claimant, Charlene Brindley, 41, of Wrexham, Wales, was found guilty of posing as a single mother to claim over £80,000 in benefits. Her deception was uncovered when wedding photos from 2017 were discovered online, revealing her true marital status.
Brindley had received various benefits including income support, employment support allowance, housing benefit, and working and child tax credits between 2014 and 2019. She had claimed these benefits based on her single parenthood status and was legally obligated to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of any changes in her circumstances.
However, despite her husband moving into her household, Brindley failed to inform the DWP and continued claiming the benefits. The investigation revealed that the total amount of fraudulently claimed benefits reached £81,000.
Brindley was sentenced to a 12-month custodial term, suspended for 18 months. She must also complete 80 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of rehabilitation, and continue repaying the money in instalments of £70 per month.
Judge Petts, presiding over the case, stated that while Brindley had not lived a lavish lifestyle, she had taken money that was not hers.
These cases highlight the ongoing problem of benefits fraud in the UK. The DWP and local authorities are constantly working to detect and prosecute individuals who attempt to defraud the system. The public is encouraged to report any suspected cases of benefit fraud.
