Pensioner accused of benefits fraud after allegedly keeping £88,000 in separate bank accounts
Robert Alan McKie appeared at South Tyneside Law Courts after he was accused of benefits fraud
PA
A 70-year-old has been accused of committing benefit fraud after he allegedly kept thousands of pounds across six separate bank accounts.
Robert Alan McKie has been accused by Gateshead Council of illegitimately claiming council tax in the form of housing benefits over five years.
The local authority claims that McKie did not disclose that he had £88,000 across numerous bank accounts between October 2018 and November 2023.
The pensioner is facing two counts of dishonestly failing to disclose information to make a gain.
Robert Alan McKie appeared at South Tyneside Law Courts after he was accused of benefits fraudPAAppearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court last week, the 70-year-old did not enter a plea to the offences against him.
The court heard: “Between October 22, 2018, and November 20, 2023, at Ryton committed fraud in that you dishonestly failed to disclose to Gateshead Local Authority information, namely possessed capital in excess of permitted limits, which you were under a legal duty to disclose, intending, by that failure, to make a gain, namely Council Tax Support.”
McKie, of Eden Dale, Ryton, is also accused of an identical offence relating to claiming housing benefit.
He has been bailed until his next court appearance, which will take place on September 11 at Newcastle Crown Court.
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He will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on September 11
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Earlier this month, a benefits fraudster who had been posing as a single mum to claim over £80,000 of benefits was caught after photos of her recent wedding were discovered online.
Charlene Brindley, 41, of Wrexham, Wales, received various benefits including income support, employment support allowance, housing benefit, and working and child tax credits between 2014 and 2019.
Brindley claimed those benefits on the basis that she was a lone parent, and she was required to notify authorities if her marital status changed.
However, an investigation by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) found wedding photos on Facebook from 2017 which proved that a change had occurred under their nose.
Earlier this month, a benefits fraudster who had been posing as a single mum to claim over £80,000 of benefits was caught by the DWP
PABrindley’s husband moved into her household, but she failed to notify the DWP and continued to claim the benefits - which totalled around £81,000.
Judge Petts handed Brindley a 12-month custodial term but suspended it for 18 months.
She must now carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation, as well as continue to pay back the money in instalments of £70 a month, which she began paying in 2019 after her first interview with police.
Petts said: “This isn't a case where you've been leading a lavish lifestyle, but you were taking money that wasn't yours.”