Maximum Penalty Imposed in Benefit Fraud Case

On 26 September at York Crown Court, Frederick Digby Dinsdale of Beacon Way, Sneaton, Whitby, was found guilty of eight counts of Benefit Fraud against Scarborough Borough Council, having dishonestly obtained in excess of £9000 by not declaring money from a business.

Judge Paul Hoffman sentenced Mr Dinsdale to 240 hours Community Service, the maximum penalty allowable for the offence. He also awarded costs of £1600 to be paid immediately.

The Judge referred to the defendant as “greedy” and stated in court that he would very much like to jail the defendant and would not hesitate to do so if the order was not complied with.

Paul Cresswell, the Council’s Head of Financial Services said:

“This has been a hugely important case for the Council’s fraud team echoed strongly by the Judge’s comments in court. The case sends a clear message that fraud against Scarborough Borough Council and its taxpayers will be pursued to the highest court where necessary.”

If anyone has any information relating to suspected benefit fraud, they can call the 24 hour Benefit Fraud Hotline in confidence on 0800 056 8154 (messages can be left on the answering machine when a call is made out of normal office hours). Callers can remain anonymous if they wish.

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