News / Benefits payback
A LERWICK man who claimed almost £9,000 in incapacity benefit over five years that he was not entitled to escaped a jail sentence at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday.
Brian Laing, aged 64, of 7 Staney Hill, admitted not informing the Department for Work and Pensions about all he was earning to supplement his benefits between 3 September 2006 and 22 October 2011.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said Laing would be losing one third of his benefits over the next five years to pay back the full £8,875.24 that he had been overpaid.
This would mean he paid more tax than he would otherwise, causing him to lose more than the extra he had gained.
Sheriff Philip Mann said normally such a serious offence would have led to a jail sentence, but having read a social work background report saying Laing looked after his sick wife he ordered him to carry out 275 hours community service.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.