A former Crewkerne man has been caught claiming benefits from two councils at the same time.

Mr David Stoodley, 36, now of Tyne Park, Taunton and formerly of Dairy Court, Crewkerne claimed £800 housing benefit from South Somerset District Council whilst also claiming the same benefit from Taunton Deane Borough Council.

An investigation led by the district council's Investigation Team discovered the overpayment and brought the case to Yeovil Magistrates court to ensure the money was repaid. On 6 January Magistrates found him guilty and sentenced him a two-year conditional discharge and £100 costs which he will now have to pay along with the full £800.

Stoodley may also be subject to the new ‘one strike’ penalty introduced by Department of Work and Pensions, where, once convicted of benefit fraud, a person can lose up to four weeks benefit. Stoodley had failed to inform the district council that he had moved house.

Cllr Robin Munday, portfolio holder who oversees benefit fraud said: “We look into every case of suspected benefit fraud and we also work with partner authorities and other agencies such as the Department of Work and Pensions to spot anything that looks suspicious.

"It is imperative that the money only goes to those who really need it and we will continue to do all we can to stamp out benefit fraud.”

Suspect someone is committing benefit fraud? telephone the Investigations Team on 01935 462208 or write to Investigation Section, Freepost RSHR-TEUC-GHBL, South Somerset District Council, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2HT. All reports of fraud can be made anonymously and are treated in the strictest confidence.

Photo: Steve Punter