‘Disabled’ benefit cheat was working as labourer
AN ECCLES couple who cheated the benefits system out of nearly £55,000 over six years were both handed jail sentences. Scott Jones, 42, and his 35-year-old
wife, Kate Jones, of Bull Lane, had re- ceived benefits on the basis that nei- ther was working and he was receiving disability living allowance. But investigators from Tonbridge
and Malling Council and the Depart- ment ofWork and Pensions uncovered evidence that he was working as a painter, decorator and general labourer. The fraud spanned six years and in- cluding a period when they were claiming benefits in Hollingbourne. Jones was jailed for nine months at Maidstone Crown Court and his wife was sentenced to six months, sus- pended for two years because she had children to care for. She was also or- dered to do 300 hours unpaid work.
The judge told them: The major ag- gravating feature of this case is that the fraud was calculated and had gone on for six years. I do not accept this was a case of you needing extra money to tide yourselves over.” The couple, who both admitted ben-
efit fraud, received a total of £43,713 in income support, £4,204 in disabil- ity living allowance, £5,136 in hous- ing benefit and £1,597 in council tax benefits. They had begun to repay the cash. Tonbridge and Malling finance chief
Cllr Martin Coffin said: “By working closely with the DWP, the Tonbridge and Malling team have secured a good result. The couple in this case have taken money in a calculating way from all who pay taxes. “I am pleased the courts have taken
a serious view on this theft from the public purse and welcome their deci- sion to impose a custodial sentence.”
Children get evacuated wartime style
YOUNGSTERS from Kings Hill School dressed up as wartime evac- uees for a steam train trip on the Kent and Sussex Railway. The year-4 pupils had been learning
about the experiences of children who were evacuated to safety duringWorld War II. The trip from Tenterden was the culmination of their topic. Teacher Jane Henderson said: “We
had a really fun and informative day. It was quite an experience for our chil- dren, most of whom don’t travel by modern train, let alone steam trains.”
Catwalk glamour helps raise £1,000
AN evening of glam- orous entertainment organised by Saks in Kings Hill helped to raise £1,000 for char- ity.
The event, held at
the Village Hotel, Maidstone, kicked off with a dance routine - specially choreo- graphed by The Show Performance Com- pany - before a spring and summer hair trends catwalk. About 115 people attended the event, which also included a hula competition and a raffle. All pro-
ceedswent to Lupus, a charity that helps peoplewith the little-known illness, which causes tissue and organ damage. Claire Denyer, owner of Saks, was diagnosed with Lupus 10 years ago. She was thrilled with the outcome. “So many peo-
ple attended and dug deep, which means a lot. Not many people have heard of Lupus, yet it is not a rare illness.” If you would like to make a donation, con- tact Saks on 01732 843445. Mrs Denyer’s brother Carl had his hair cut and dyed blue for the occasion.
Mexican takeaway approval MEXICAN restaurant Tacos Locos has been given per- mission to extend its premises in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, to provide takeaway food.
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