Former Leeds resident swindled £25,000 in six-year child-benefit scam
Defrauder had multiple chances to come clean
A benefit cheat claimed £25,000 more than he was entitled to after constantly lying about his circumstances.
John James Jewitt, who has a previous conviction for fraud, spent six years making false claims over child benefits, Leeds Crown Court heard.
The 32-year-old received a suspended sentence this week.
Prosecutor John Hobley said Jewitt made claims between 2018 and 2024, and continued to lie about his situation having been given no fewer than eight opportunities to declare the truth.
He previously lived in Leeds, Dewsbury, Bradford, Bingley and Knaresborough. Jewitt now lives on Dickson Road, Blackpool.
His crime came to light in November 2024 and he was invited to a voluntary interview with police.
Four days later, he changed his benefit information to provide the correct information.
The amount he was overpaid came to £25,622. He admitted a charge of fraud.
Mitigating, Shila Whitehead said she was “limited” on what she could say about Jewitt but said he was now in a financial arrangement to pay the money back.
She said he had landed a job at a hotel and was willing to pay more to clear his debt.
Judge Simon Batiste gave him a 14-month sentence, suspended for 24 months.
He also ordered him to pay compensation £10,000, to be paid at £250 a month.
Speaking after the sentencing, Work and Pensions Minister for Transformation, Andrew Western said: “The message is clear – don't think you can steal from hardworking taxpayers.
“Whatever your reasons for committing benefit fraud, know that our investigators are wise to every trick in the book and we will find you.
“And if you know somebody is fleecing the system, report it.”