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A former-Watford resident has been forced to pay compensation costs along with £400 to the council, after being caught unlawfully claiming Housing Benefits.

Victor Ewah, aged 47, formally of Clifton Road, Watford, but now of no fixed address, claimed Housing Benefit, supplying a tenancy agreement to the council with false landlord details.

In October 2009 Ewah was interviewed under caution at Watford Borough Council offices by Fraud Investigation Officers. 

Ewah appeared at Watford Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to two charges relating to supplying information to Watford Borough Council on a Housing Benefit application and also supplying a tenancy agreement that he knew to be false, with a view to obtaining benefit. The overpaid amount of Housing Benefit was £3,684. 

Councillor Andy Wylie, cabinet member responsible for financial issues at the council, said: “The prosecution and conviction of this dishonest claimant clearly demonstrates that Watford Borough Council will always investigate such claims, and takes a strong line on all benefit offences.”

To report a fraud in confidence, please call the council’s Freephone Fraud Hotline on 0800 458 9200, or write to the council’s Fraud Section at the Town Hall, Watford, WD17 3EX.