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DWP has issued a reminder to claimants receiving benefits folowing Crown Court case's conclusion
A benefit fraud case heard at:- Preston Crown Court, has ended on 25 Stepember 2026, with Colin Hegarty being sentenced to:- a 10 month custodial sentence, which was suspended for:- 12 months, as well as to:- 100 hours of unpaid work.
It was reported to the Court that:- Colin Christopher Hegarty (58), of Springfield Road, Blackpool, had fraudulently claimed:- £70,967.89 in Universal Credit between:- 19 February 2020 and 18 September 2025 by falsely declaring himself as a single person while living with a partner. We have been told by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that the investigation was began after a member of the public submitted a referral in June 2025 alleging that Hegarty was not declaring his true living arrangements. Following that the DWP investigators gathered evidence including:- bank statements demonstrating financial links between the couple and social media evidence showing Hegarty's relationship status. Over the investigation the Investigators obtained a Facebook image showing Hegarty becoming engaged to his partner, which formed part of the evidence considered during the investigation. We art told that he had admitted failing to declare that his partner was living at his address, despite knowing it would affect his entitlement to Universal Credit. During an interview under caution, Hegarty immediately admitted dishonestly claiming benefits as a single person. Hegarty told investigators he believed declaring a partner would affect payments received by another non-dependant living in the property. He made a full admission throughout the interview, telling investigators there was:- "no point in lying." The case has result the overpayment is now subject to recovery action. Minister for Innovation, Fraud and Data, Lilian Greenwood said:- "Benefit fraud is not a victimless crime. Every pound stolen is money that should be supporting those who genuinely need help and funding our public services. This claimant pocketed almost £71,000 by deliberately misleading the system for years but our investigators caught up with him. The message is simple, if you cheat the benefits system, you will be found, you will have to pay the money back, and you could face prosecution. And if you know someone defrauding the system, please report it.” The DWP has issued a reminder that if you are receiving benefits, claimants must report changes in their circumstances promptly to ensure they receive the correct entitlement and avoid accruing debt. Members of the public can report suspected benefit fraud online at:- Gov.UK or via the:- National Benefit Fraud Hotline, on:- 0800854440. Reports can be made anonymously. DWP investigates all credible allegations and works with prosecutors where appropriate. COMMENTS (0)
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