DMU student commits £27,000 worth of benefit fraud

A DMU student has been given a suspended prison sentence after illegally claiming almost £27,000 in benefits over the last three years.

De Montfort University Students’ Union

Amerdeep Singh Tara was sentenced to 4 months suspended sentence for defrauding the taxpayer of £26,467.96.

He has been ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge for Council Tax benefit, Job Seekers Allowance and Employment Support.

Tara’s actions was exposed after two of his tenants applied for housing benefit. He had originally claimed Single Persons Discount on his Council Tax. He had even risked advertising online for new tenants.

At hearing, Tara accepted his guilt and admitted to all five counts of fraud.

Leicester Magistrates Ccurt

After the hearing at Leicester’s Magistrates Court, Jenny Bokor said: ‘There is no excuse for benefit fraud and we will not tolerate people stealing from the public purse.’

‘We take benefit fraud extremely seriously and will investigate any allegations. I hope this case acts as reminder to potential fraudsters that we will take action.’