A benefits cheat was exposed after Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigators discovered he was not residing at the address he had declared. Neil Rayner, 49, claimed to have relocated to the neighbouring property on Welwyn Close, Hardwick, in Stockton, in January 2020.
Court Details
Teesside Crown Court was told that Rayner had not previously included any housing costs within his Universal Credit claim. He maintained that he had moved into his late mother's former address following her death, and sought assistance with the £400-a-month rental payments.
Rayner fabricated a fictitious landlord under the name "Geoff Wood" as part of his claim, prosecutor Jon Harley informed the court. He evaded detection until 2022, as DWP staff were unable to conduct home visits throughout the Covid lockdown period.
Investigation Unfolds
Upon eventually visiting the property, officials established that Rayner was not living there. Just two days afterwards, he registered a further change of address – this time to Tithe Barn Lane, Mr Harley continued.
Rayner initially contested the charge before admitting a single count of benefit fraud on the day his trial was scheduled to start. His barrister, Uzma Khan, informed the court that her client had worked in construction as a dry liner from a young age, reports Teesside Live.
Defence Arguments
"This offence occurred at the lowest point in his life," Ms Khan said. "He was dealing with bereavement after several family members died; and a developing dependency." The defence barrister appealed to the judge to consider a suspended sentence, enabling her client to return to work on Monday should he be released from prison, where he has been held on remand.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Aisha Wadoodi told Rayner: "This type of fraud affects the perception of people who genuinely need the money. You didn't turn up to your last sentencing date or for your appointment with probation - and you had to be arrested. The pre-sentence report says your remorse is seen as superficial."
Sentence
Rayner, now residing on Grange Avenue in Stockton, was sentenced to 38 weeks in prison, of which he will serve half before being released.
