Ipswich benefit cheat was overpaid more than £26k

A 51-year-old benefit cheat who was overpaid £26,000 has been sentenced to a six month supervision order.

Sentencing Dale Sunderland, of Speedwell Road, Ipswich, Judge John Devaux said the Department of Work and Pensions was taking steps to recover the money at a “derisory” £25 a month.

“I don’t imagine that it will succeed in obtaining a full payment,” he said.

Sunderland admitted two offences of making a false statement to obtain benefit dating back to 2012. The total overpayment over 197 weeks was £26,275.

Joanne Eley, prosecuting, said Sunderland had stated he had around £10,000 in bank accounts and premium bonds when his total capital was £34,592.

Azza Brown, for Sunderland, said £10,000 came from his mother to help him buy a house, but this was repaid when he did not buy anywhere. There had also been a redundancy payment which he had spent since his benefits stopped.