By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-25 19:10:45 | Updated at 2026-09-25 22:31:29
3 hours ago
A Blackpool man who fraudulently claimed almost £71,000 in Universal Credit after falsely declaring himself to be single has been jailed after a proposal post caught him in a lie.
Colin Christopher Hegarty, 58, of Springfield Road, Blackpool, received a 10-month custodial sentence at Preston Crown Court, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
Hegarty fraudulently claimed £70,967.89 in Universal Credit between February 19 2020 and September 18 2025 by failing to declare that he was living with his partner.
The investigation began in June last year, after a member of the public reported concerns about Hegarty's living arrangements.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigators gathered evidence including bank statements showing financial links between Hegarty and his partner, as well as social media posts relating to their relationship.
A Facebook image showing Hegarty becoming engaged to his partner was also among the evidence considered during the investigation.
During an interview under caution, Hegarty admitted dishonestly claiming Universal Credit as a single person.
He acknowledged that he had failed to tell the DWP that his partner was living at his address, despite knowing the change could affect his entitlement.
Colin Christopher Hegarty falsely declared himself to be single, but a proposal post caught him in a lie
DWP
He told investigators that he believed declaring his partner would affect payments received by another non-dependant living at the property.
He made a full admission during the interview, telling investigators there was "no point in lying".
The resulting overpayment of £70,967.89 is subject to recovery action by the DWP.
Lilian Greenwood, Minister for Innovation, Fraud and Data, said benefit fraud was "not a victimless crime", and that money obtained fraudulently should instead support people who are entitled to assistance and fund public services.
"This claimant pocketed almost £71,000 by deliberately misleading the system for years but our investigators caught up with him," she said.
The DWP reminded benefit claimants that changes in circumstances should be reported promptly to ensure they receive the correct entitlement, and avoid accumulating debt.
Members of the public can report suspected benefit fraud to the DWP, including anonymously, through its online reporting service or the National Benefit Fraud Hotline.
