A man has admitted fraudulently claiming almost £27,000 in benefits.
Neil Ligertwood lied to Aberdeen City Council claiming he and his wife Margaret had savings totalling £1,200.
But the 64-year-old actually had £24,000 sitting in his bank.
Between November 2009 and February this year, Ligertwood claimed £22,967.11 in housing benefits and £3,709.52 in council tax benefits he was not entitled to.
Yesterday, Ligertwood appeared at the city’s sheriff court and admitted committing the offence over a five year period.
The court heard that since he was caught out he had paid back all the money he had fraudulently taken.
High Court guidelines state that anyone found to be fraudulently claiming more than £10,000 in benefits should automatically receive a custodial sentence unless there are “exceptional circumstances”.
Sheriff Alison Stirling deferred sentence on Ligertwood, of 48 Craigievar Crescent, Aberdeen in order for background reports to be carried out into his character.
He will return to court again next month.
Man admits fraudulently claiming benefits worth more than £27,000
