accused Council benefit investiga of being 'unprofessional'

11/05/2007

A Dagenham man who accused Council benefit investigators of being 'unprofessional' and in need of 'managerial guidance' has been found guilty this week of benefit fraud.

Andrew Brace, of 44 Millard Terrace, Dagenham, wrote to the Council officers who were investigating his suspicious benefit claims, describing them as 'unprofessional' and their department as 'inadequate'.

Brace first came to the attention of Barking and Dagenham Council's fraud investigation team after a computer check revealed that he had found employment and was therefore no longer claiming job seeker's allowance.

Officers were concerned because Brace was still claiming housing benefit on the basis that he was not in full time employment.

An investigation revealed that he had taken a job as a store manager with Brasher Leisure Ltd on 17 April 2006, but had failed to let the Council know, a serious offence under the Social Security Administration Act.

It was when the Council wrote to Brace, inviting him to attend a cautioned interview to explain his actions that the prosecuting officers received the letter suggesting they needed 'management training' and accusing them of being 'sinister and threatening'.

Based on the evidence, and Brace's repeated denial of the offence, officers decided to pursue a criminal prosecution and the case was heard at Barking Magistrates Court on Friday, 27 April 2007.

After hearing in mitigation that Brace had undergone a problematic divorce and taking into account his guilty plea, magistrates ordered him to pay a fine of £800 and costs of £400.

Cllr Mick McCarthy, Executive Member for Benefits, said: "I am astonished that someone who knowingly committed a serious offence would be so audacious as to accuse Council officials of incompetence.

"I think the successful conviction here shows that our officers are far from 'unprofessional', but rather extremely capable of bringing people who to try to cheat the system to justice."

ENDS