ByJames RodgerContent Editor
Mark Graeme Lockwood, 43, from Colenso Street, Hartlepool, has been sentenced for fraudulently claiming benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) over a three-year period. Lockwood was found guilty of dishonestly failing to notify changes that affected his social security claims, which included Universal Credit, Employment Disability Living Allowance, and Carers Allowance.
At Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, Lockwood received a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a £154 surcharge for victim services and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Lockwood’s fraudulent activities involved withholding information from the DWP regarding changes in his circumstances, specifically failing to disclose that his children were no longer in his care. The fraudulent claims spanned several periods: Universal Credit from September 3, 2020, to May 2, 2023; Employment Disability Living Allowance from September 3, 2020, to June 16, 2021; and Carers Allowance from September 28, 2020, to April 24, 2022.
The DWP warns that failing to report changes can lead to benefit fraud charges, which may result in investigations, and potential stoppage of benefits while the claims are reviewed.