Train driver could face jail after benefit fraud (From Borehamwood Times)

Borehamwood resident Alan Lincoln could face jail after benefit fraud

3:10pm Monday 18th March 2013 in News By Anna Slater

A retired train driver could face prison after claiming thousands of pounds of benefits he was not entitled to.

Alan Lincoln, of Alban Crescent, failed to tell the council he had been awarded a retirement payout when completing a housing and council tax benefit form.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to report a change in his circumstances and two charges of knowingly making a false representation about his council tax benefit.

The 68-year-old was awarded a retirement lump sum of £61,000 in 2007 but withheld details of the bank account he deposited the money into, as well as a private pension.

From 2007 to 2011, he fraudulently claimed a total of £23,000 in housing and council tax benefits.

Benefit officers from Hertsmere Borough Council found the pension in 2011, and realised Lincoln had been overpaid £17,875 in housing benefit and £5,127 in council tax benefit.

During his trial at Watford Magistrates Court on Friday, Lincoln was told all sentencing options would be considered.

He was granted unconditional bail to appear at St Albans Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 9 for sentencing.

The overpayments are being recovered from the defendant by instalments.