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Elderly benefit fraudsters spared jail (24 August 2015)

Date: 24/08/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Elderly benefit fraudsters spared jail

A court has spared an elderly couple from jail, after they committed a £75,000 benefit fraud.

The Lancashire Evening Post reports that Michael McQuoid, 60, claimed his mobility was so poor he could not walk – and needed help with daily tasks, such as getting dressed and washing.

As a result of Mr McQuoid’s alleged disability, his wife Susan, 56, claimed £17,000 in carer’s allowance for looking after her husband.

However, Mrs McQuoid also earned £41,000 from her book and gift selling business, which she failed to declare – and claimed her caring duties to her husband severely restricted her ability to work.

However, Preston Crown Court heard that the deception was uncovered when benefit fraud investigators saw McQuoid moving easily in and out of a car and helping his wife with her mail order catalogue business.

He now lives in a caravan, but began claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in 2009 at the higher rate for care and mobility.

He also claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit, totalling £58,718.62, the court heard.

Mr McQuoid pleaded guilty to three counts of benefit fraud.

The court saw surveillance evidence showing him lifting and carrying boxes –
and getting in and out of a car without support.

He was also seen walking further than the limited distance he claimed to be able to cover unaided.

Mrs McQuoid pleaded guilty to a single count of benefit fraud.

It is reported the couple are now repaying the money they falsely claimed in benefits and carer’s allowance.

Mr McQuoid was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for two years –
while Mrs McQuoid was placed on 12 months’ supervision with the probation service.

Sentencing the couple, Recorder Simon Berkson said:

“Benefits are paid so that people can survive in society.

“Dishonesty costs the public purse significant amounts of money each year and affects all areas of public spending – including healthcare which you have benefited from over this time.”

Both defendants have previous convictions for selling fake Rolex watches in 2014 – Mr McQuoid also has a conviction for selling non-existent cars in 2009.

Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Lawyers

Duncan Lewis benefit fraud lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving benefit fraud – including attending DWP interviews and police interviews under caution.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid criminal defence lawyers.

For expert legal advice on all benefit fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis benefit fraud lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

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