A SOUTH Ockendon man has been given a suspended prison sentence after falsely claiming nearly £12,000 in benefits from Thurrock Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Victor Popper, 50, of Broxburn Drive appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday, January 5 where pleaded guilty to eight charges of fraud after working as an undeclared self-employed lorry driver.
The charges cover two years where Popper had been able to obtain the work by using false documents in his brother’s name.
Popper was eventually arrested at his home, where the false documents were found.
Having told the court that he is no longer on benefit, is paying the money back to the council and the DWP, and has good immediate job prospects, Popper was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a probation supervision order for 18 months.
He was also ordered to perform 200 hours unpaid work within 12 months and pay £1,000 towards the prosecution costs.
The remaining overpaid benefit is being recovered.
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