Bromsgrove fraudster falsely claimed £5,000

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A BROMSGROVE man has been ordered to pay more than £5,000 after being convicted of benefit fraud at Redditch Magistrates Court.

Sydwell Kajama, 52 of Shawfield, Hollywood, pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit totalling £4,986.96 between May and October 2011.

As well as repaying everything he has falsely claimed, Kajama was also fined £215 and was ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge, along with £100 towards the prosecution costs.

The court heard how 'data matching', which sees different data sources cross-referenced, led to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) discovering Kajama had failed to report he was working as a care assistant, whilst making his claims.

The DWP then invited Bromsgrove District Council to join the investigation so the full extent of the fraud could be ascertained.

A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson said those claiming benefit must declare their true circumstances and report any changes as soon as they occur.

"Bromsgrove District Council is committed to ensuring that taxpayers’ money is protected, and will as a result, prosecute and publicise cases where the benefits system has been seriously abused,” they added.

Anyone with any information about benefit fraud can call 01527 881221, comple the online fraud report form at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/fraud or e-mail fraud@bromsgrove.gov.uk.

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