TWO benefit fraudsters were sentenced at Aldershot Magistrates' Court last Wednesday, after being found guilty of 10 offences of falsely obtaining housing benefit and council tax benefit. After an anonymous tip-off, Ahad Miah, 43, of Woodbourne Close, Liss, admitted six offences under the Social Security Administration Act 1992. The court was told by Nick Leach, East Hampshire District Council's prosecuting solicitor, that Miah had been claiming the benefits since 1997 and bought a house in Liss in 2004 while living in rented accommodation but did not tell the council. He also failed to tell the council about a Scottish Amicable savings policy worth more than £10,000 and a second bank account into which miscellaneous income was paid between 2001 and 2006. As a result Mr Miah received nearly £10,000 in benefits to which he was not entitled. Miah was given a 12-month Community Order and was ordered to undertake 80 hours of unpaid work in the community. He was also ordered to pay £50 towards the costs of bringing the prosecution. He must also Miah is repay the benefits in instalments. Anthony Cole of Hill View, East Meon, admitted four offences of dishonestly obtaining a total of £14,621 housing benefit and council tax benefit. The court heard he failed to declare the true extent of his capital when making benefit claims. In addition to having savings of more than £12,000, in 2006, Mr Cole failed to declare his ownership of 15 National Savings Certificates worth more than £4,500 in 2006. This case came to light after a routine inspection. Cole, 70, was fined £750 and ordered to pay £50 towards the prosecution costs. Cole has since repaid the council in full.
