AN Abergavenny man has been sentenced for benefit fraud after failing to truthfully declare his circumstances. 

Daniel Hickey, 63, from Bishops Crescent, Abergavenny, was given a £2,500 fine, £500 costs and a £15 victim surcharge at Newport Magistrates Court.  He was overpaid £7,685 in housing benefit and £1,718 council tax. 

Mr Hickey applied for benefit on two separate occasions without declaring money he had in the bank. The frauds took place between November 2004 to April 2006 and April 2009 to June 2010.

On his second claim to the council's benefits department, he was found to have had in excess of £80,000 which he failed to declare.

Monmouthshire County Council's Investigating Officer, Mark Baker, said, "Monmouthshire County Council is committed to rooting out those people who take advantage of a system designed to help people who are in need of financial assistance."

If you think someone is fraudulently claiming benefits, you can pass on details of your suspicions confidentially on Monmouthshire County Council's Investigations Team hotline 0800 3164150 or email: [email protected]">[email protected]