Suspended sentence for man after falsely claiming over £31,000 in benefits

A digger driver who falsely claimed more than £31,000 in benefits did so because he was used to having the money.

William Michael Corrin of Derby Road in Douglas appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood at Douglas Courthouse.

The 56 year old admitted seven counts of failing to inform officials of a change in circumstances and three of making false representations to obtain benefits between 2017 and 2021.

Prosecutor Peter Connick told the court Corrin had claimed income support and incapacity benefit after having a stroke in 2016.

However, he began working for various Island construction companies but didn’t tell benefits officials.

In total, he wrongly claimed £31,174.

After hearing he’d agreed to return the money but hadn’t yet paid a penny, Mrs Braidwood jailed him for 22 weeks, suspended to two years, and ordered him to pay £125 costs.