OAP defrauded Manx taxpayers of £70K

A pensioner from Douglas has appeared in court after claiming almost £70,000 in benefits he wasn't entitled to. 

77-year-old Denis Johnston, of Clarence Terrace, is awaiting sentencing after admitting carrying out the benefit fraud between 2009 and 2018. 

At Douglas Courthouse this week Johnston was told a decision on which court he'd be sentenced in had yet to be made. 

He's previously admitted six offences of making false representations to obtain benefits and one of failing to inform the government about a change in circumstances.

Over the nine-year period Johnston failed to declare he owned retail property in Northern Ireland - and that he had significant amounts of money in personal bank accounts. 

Adjourning the case until October 2, Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told him "You have defrauded the taxpayers of the Isle of Man of a serious amount of money."