A MAN claimed more than £4,000 in benefits while living in Spain, Cambridge magistrates were told. Jonathan Shevlin, previously of The Fillance, Bassingbourn, was ordered to pay back all the money he acquired while living abroad. The court heard that 56-y
A MAN claimed more than £4,000 in benefits while living in Spain, Cambridge magistrates were told. Jonathan Shevlin, previously of The Fillance, Bassingbourn, was ordered to pay back all the money he acquired while living abroad. The court heard that 56-year-old Shevlin left his Bassingbourn home in 2004 to live at a friend's villa in Spain, where his wife joined him six months later. He continued claiming benefits for a 10-month period from South Cambridgeshire District Council when he was abroad until the local authority was notified that he was no longer in the country. Stuart Cooper, prosecuting, said: "An anonymous call was made saying they had moved to Spain to work." Shevlin admitted illegally claiming £2,853 in housing benefit and £1,499 in council tax benefit. In mitigation, Peter Masters asked the magistrates to be lenient as Shevlin's only income was from cleaning swimming pools and house-sitting in Spain. "He is clearly not a rich man," said Mr Masters. Magistrate Elaine Durham said: "This is a serious matter. "I'm not sure that you are quite clear about how serious, but I'm sure it will all become clear." She ordered Shevlin to pay back the money, and issued a nine-month supervised community order. Shevlin was also ordered to pay £300 in costs.
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