A benefit cheat who falsely claimed more than £5,000 while working as a taxi driver has pleaded guilty at Crawley Magistrates’ Court.
Alexander McGregor, of Forester Road, Southgate, appeared in court on January 7 and pleaded guilty to three charges of benefit fraud.
He dishonestly claimed Housing and Council Tax Benefit from Crawley Borough Council and Employment Support Allowance/Jobseeker’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions totalling £5,334.98 while working as a taxi driver.
McGregor, 66, was sentenced to six months’ community integration, to include 12 hourly sessions with a probation officer. Costs of £105 were also added to the sentence.
Cllr Peter Lamb, leader of Crawley Borough Council, said: “Social security plays a vital role in helping those in need but the system can only function if it goes to those who genuinely need it.
“We are committed to prosecuting people who commit benefit fraud. Any claimant whose circumstances change should contact us immediately.”