Single father produced fake tenancy agreements to pocket more than �22,000

A single father living by the sea and a married couple have been convicted of fraudulently claiming benefits totalling more than �40,000.

Jonathon Roberts Andrews pocketed more than �22,000 in benefits by claiming to be a single parent living in Kilburn.

Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard he not only had he used fake tenancy agreements to support his claims but he was actually living in Torquay in Devon.

When called in for an interview by council officers he tried produced more false documents in an audacious attempt to dupe them further.

He admitted seven counts of benefit fraud and was sentenced to 10 weeks in jail suspended for two years, a 12 month supervision order and ordered to carry out 200 hours community service.

The court also heard Shaheen and Yasmin Butt, of High Road, Wembley, received more than �18,000 over 10 years by claiming they were a low income family living on Mr Butt’s wages as a taxi-driver.

In reality the couple owned a property nearby which they had bought in May 2000 – the month before they started claiming benefits.

Both were found guilty of three counts of benefit fraud and fined �50 each.

They were also placed on a three month curfew banning them from leaving their homes between 7pm – 7am.

All three must back all monies claimed.