Lottery winner in benefits fraud

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A National Lottery winner has been fined after falsely claiming benefits worth thousands of pounds.

Brian Baldwin, 67, of Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire, won more than £220,000 in 2005 but failed to declare it.

An anonymous tip-off claimed Baldwin and his wife, who were then living in Aberaeron, Ceredigion, were still getting benefits, despite the cash.

Baldwin admitted two fraud charges at Aberystwyth magistrates court and was fined £6,000 with £75 costs.

The court heard how the tip-off in a letter to Ceredigion Council revealed that Baldwin would often take long cruises.

The council launched a joint investigation with the Department of Work and Pensions and found that Baldwin had falsely claimed more than £13,500 in benefits.

These people are stealing money intended for the more vulnerable members of society Anti-fraud Minister James Plaskitt

Baldwin was also ordered to pay back the outstanding benefits within 14 days.

After the hearing, Department of Work and Pensions Anti-fraud Minister James Plaskitt said: "This is an excellent example of how we are cracking down on all benefit fraud cheats in Wales.

"People who continue to claim benefits illegally will be tracked down, caught and prosecuted."

Ceredigion Council made checks using National Anti-Fraud Network resources and it was confirmed that Baldwin had won a total of £220,059 on the lottery in January, 2005.

Their investigation found that Baldwin had falsely received £4,277.63 in housing benefit, £882.26 in council tax benefit and £8,344.68 in pension credits.

Bank statements

When he was interviewed under caution following the investigation, Baldwin said the win had "frightened" him, a DWP spokesman said.

A Ceredigion Council spokeswoman said: "The council is pleased to see that the court take seriously benefit fraud offences and hopes that this case will be a warning to those thinking of committing an offence."

Mr Plaskitt added: "Our investigators have more powers than ever before - if benefit fraud is suspected we can check bank statements, household bills and, if necessary, carry out surveillance.

"These people are stealing money intended for the more vulnerable members of society."