A former council officer has admitted claiming benefit while sitting on thousands of pounds in savings. Colin Curcher, 69, of Albourne Close, St Leonards, admitted two counts of making a false statement to obtain £3,009.15 in Council Tax benefit he was not entitled to on Friday (25), at Hastings Magistrates Court.
The court heard that Mr Curcher had been claiming the benefit since April 2004, but investigations by Hastings Borough Council's fraud team revealed he had thousands of pounds in savings.
Though most of the money was in his granddaughter's name, magistrates heard Mr Curcher, a former Council Tax visiting officer, had been using the account for his own use.
A council spokesman said:
"This case highlights how important it is to declare all your savings when applying for benefits. If you don't you will find yourself in court, facing a heavy fine and a criminal record."
Mr Curcher was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay £530 in costs.
He will also have to pay back the overpayment to Hastings Borough Council.
Traditional Chinese crafts will inspire families at Hastings Museum this weekend.
This Saturday, 2 February, families will work with talented textile artist Josephine Ho to celebrate the Chinese New Year by making traditional papercuts, calligraphy, lanterns and lion masks.
This is part of the 'Discover...' programme at Hastings Museum which sees families working with artists each month to explore a different creative theme.
The sessions are run on a drop-in basis between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. There is £1 admission charge for children, no charge for the accompanying adult and no need to book.
The next event, in March, will explore wicked weather with Angie Biltcliffe.
A full programme of events is available from Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, please call 0845 274 1052 or visit www.hmag.org.uk
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This page last updated: 30/01/2008