No jail for £28k benefit fraud

4:05pm Friday 16th May 2008

A SECURITY guard who swindled nearly £30,000 in dodgy benefit claims despite amassing a personal fortune has been spared jail.

Philip Murphy, aged 45, of Lancaster Road, Widnes, fraudulently claimed £28,709.35 in Income Support, Disability Living Allowance, High Rate Mobility and Care, and council tax benefit despite working and storing £33,000 in his home.

He collapsed in the dock as he was sentenced to a 36-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Warrington Crown on May 6 after pleading guilty to benefit fraud.

The court heard how Murphy claimed he was incapable of work because he was disabled.

However, he was investigated by Halton Council following allegations he was working as a night watchman in Manchester.

The court was told a police raid at his home found £20,000 in premium bonds and £13,000 cash.

When interviewed, Murphy claimed he had saved the money by selling toys and games at car boot sales.

He also claimed he was able to work after his medication had been increased.

The court also ordered him to do 180 hours unpaid work.

To report benefit cheats Halton Council's benefit fraud hotline on 0800 034 5995.