Wellesbourne man jailed after benefit fraud

Marcus Conrad Towey of Baker Drive, received the custodial sentence for fraud offences totalling £40,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges against him when he appeared at At Warwick Crown Court.

Towey admitted that he had falsely claimed housing and council tax benefits, income support and incapacity benefits over two-and-a-half years.

Towey failed to tell officials that he was married, or that he and his new wife were both in employment - all of which was uncovered in an investigation into his claims.

Defending his actions, Towey cited his ill-health which, when his incapacity benefit was removed by the DWP, resulted in him finding further paid work which he again failed to declare until challenged by Investigators.

Towey has entered into an agreement with the district council to repay his debt, with which he will have to comply in addition to his detention.

Stratford district councillor, Maurice Howse, said: “The benefits system is there for people who need it.

“Continuing to claim benefits despite no longer being entitled to them is fraud.

“This is a serious crime against tax-payers and those genuinely entitled to claim benefits.

“This successful prosecution is down to the hard work of the fraud teams at the district council and DWP and demonstrates that benefit fraud will not be tolerated.”

To report suspicious benefit claims anonymously, contact the DWP on 0800 854440.