A COCKENZIE man who claimed thousands of pounds in benefits he was not entitled to has been fined.
William Stewart, of Winton Park, knowingly made false declarations to officials at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by stating he did not have capital that was in excess of the allowed amount.
But following a DWP investigation, it was found that Stewart did have more savings than he had declared.
Stewart claimed £13,037.60 in employment and support allowance between October 9, 2013, and November 1, 2016.
He also claimed £3,496.02 in Universal Credit between September 27, 2017, and August 21 last year.
And the 63-year-old was also paid £2,542.56 in Universal Credit he was not entitled to between November 22, 2016, and July 21, 2017.
Stewart admitted his guilt at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this year and he returned to court last Wednesday for sentencing.
Sheriff Peter McCormack heard that the money had been paid back to the DWP and decided to fine the offender £400.
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