Men who wrongly claimed benefits ordered to repay cash (From Borehamwood Times)

Borehamwood men Artar Kucuku and Peter McCaroll wrongly claimed benefits from Hertmsere Borough Council

11:03am Friday 4th January 2013 in News By Anna Slater

Two men who wrongly claimed a combined total of £10,000 in housing and tax benefits have been ordered to pay the money back.

Artar Kucuku, of Glenhaven Avenue, and Peter McCarroll, of Kensington Way, were sentenced at St Albans Magistrates Court earlier this week.

Kucuku claimed more than £9,000 in housing benefit from Hertsmere Borough Council from May 2010 until June 2012 while living in Shenley Road, falsely stating he was unemployed.

The 27-year-old failed to disclose he had any savings and stated he was struggling to pay his rent – but a data match from the council’s anti-fraud unit showed he had undeclared money.

After an investigation, council investigators discovered that throughout his claim for housing benefit, Kucuku had more than £40,000 in bank accounts.

He pleaded guilty to making a false representation when claiming benefit and was sentenced to a community order for 12 months and to undertake 180 hours of unpaid work.

Kucuku also faces having to pay back the benefits to the council, as well as £200 in prosecution costs.

McCarroll, 50, received £1,493 in housing benefits he was not entitled to after failing to tell the council his circumstances had changed.

He pleaded guilty and was given a six-month conditional discharge.

The council is recovering the benefit on an instalment agreement and McCarroll will also be required to pay £120 in prosecution costs.