Benefits crook has bank account seized

Brian Hossack • Published 5 Mar 2010 14:00

A BENEFIT fraudster has had thousands of pounds seized from his bank account under Government laws aimed at cracking down on crime.

Alexander Hamilton, right, was ordered to hand over almost £5,000 at Greenock Sheriff Court this week after admitting illegally claiming Income Support from benefits bosses.

The Crown had initially moved to recover £131,000 in cash and assets from Hamilton, which could have included his home in Greenock's Gateside Gardens.

But they settled for recouping just £4,729 after lengthy negotiations with the 53-year-old's defence team.

The funds were seized by the Crown under the Proceeds of Crime Act, used to recover money made through illegal and criminal activity.

Hamilton pleaded guilty to failing to declare to representatives of the Department of Work and Pensions on 30 November 2004 that he had money in bank accounts and owned other assets - information which would have left him ineligible to receive the benefits.

Solicitor Caroline Goodenough appeared on behalf of Hamilton when the case called before Sheriff John Herald yesterday for sentencing.

She said: "He has found the whole matter difficult to deal with but I would ask he is given credit for the early stage at which he pled guilty."

As well as the money being taken from Hamilton, Sheriff Herald also ordered him to carry out community service as part of his punishment.

He also warned Hamilton he could face jail if he did not comply with the community service work.

Sheriff Herald said: "You will do 120 hours community service, reduced from the 180 hours it would have been had you not pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

"Breach this and you will be facing a custodial sentence."

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