Curfew for man who received £8.000 housing benefit overpayment

Kenneth Robert Hamnett, of Horbling Lane, failed to tell East Lindsey District Council that his wife's wages had increased. That affected Hamnett's housing benefit entitlement and he received £8,369.38 too much between August 26, 2013 and December 18, 2017.

Prosecutor Nick Todd told Boston Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (Dec 11) that it worked out at about £40 per week over the four-year period.

"He was seen by the department's investigators and made admissions in his interview but wasn't prepared to admit he was dishonest," he added.

Hamnett (46) pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting entitlement to benefit.

Mitigating, solicitor Tony Davis said it was a "reckless omission" by his client, not a deliberate attempt to defraud.

"He assumed that as his wife was claiming working tax credit that the various departments would liaise between themselves," he added.

The court was told that the council would go about reclaiming the money.

Hamnett was given a six-week curfew from 7pm to 6am and was told to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.