A bus driver who falsely claimed almost £10,000 in benefits was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service and pay £2,500 compensation to Scottish Borders Council.
Andrew Hood, formerly of Stopford Street, Newcastleton, and now living in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, admitted obtaining £4,782.29 housing benefit and £1,070.11 council tax to which he was not entitled between October 24, 2008, and July 4, 2011, after failing to report he was a self-employed driver for Telford’s coaches.
Hood, a 50-year-old first offender, also pleaded guilty to obtaining three sums of Jobseekers’ Allowance – £1,268.12, £1,178.10 and £1,473.26 – between October 29, 2009, and July 4, 2011.
“He was working as a coach driver and receiving intermittent income,” explained his lawyer, Greig McDonell, at a previous hearing.
“He didn’t declare his working hours and his income during this period, although he knew that he should. He accepts full responsibility for his actions. Clearly this is a serious matter, as the level of gain is almost £10,000,” added Mr McDonell.
The solicitor said Hood had already gathered funds towards repayment.
Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser explained that any outstanding balance would be recovered by the various agencies in their own way.