Preston man who got a £21k overpayment of Pension Credit when he lied to DWP about having a second home will face sentence in 2021

Peter Holmes, 67, of Nelson Street, Preston, admitted dishonestly making a false statement about a property he had inherited from his parents, in order to obtain Pension Credit in April 2014, which led to an overpayment of £21,317.13 from the DWP.

He will face proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act because the property has since been sold and there is a financial probe into what happened to the money.

Judge Simon Newell adjourned the case to April 9, 2021.

Preston Crown Court previously heard in addition, Holmes is paying off an overpayment caused by failing to disclose his wife's income - though that did not form a criminal charge - meaning the total overpayment he owes back to taxpayers is £34,918.98.

The property in question was inherited on December 8, 2008.

However in April 2014, during a telephone conversation with the Benefits Office to make a claim, he was asked if he had any property other than the property in which he lives and his answer was 'no'.

As a result of his disclosure he received a significant overpayment between July 11, 2014 and December 27, 2018.

(proceeding)