A businessman who fraudulently claimed nearly £25,000 worth of benefits has been given time to sell his house so he can repay his debt.
Charles Wright previously admitted giving false pension credit information in March 2008 when the case last called at Fort William Sheriff Court.
At the time, the court heard the cash had been used to help the pensioner “wheel and deal in the property market”.
And yesterday, the court was told the 72-year-old would be able to repay the full amount – once he has sold a house he currently rents out.
Defence lawyer Hamish Melrose said Wright, of Larch Cottage, Strontian, had already paid some of the cash back.
He said: “He has already repaid £1,200 and will repay another £3,000 in seven days followed by a further £3,000 before November.
‘The balance of the money due will come from the sale of a house at Glencairn, Kilmallie Road, Caol, owned by his daughter. The tenants there have been given four weeks notice to quit.
‘The house is valued at £130,000. There is a £50,000 mortgage.”
Sheriff Richard Davidson told Wright the “public purse” was the victim of the case, and warned that prison was an option for those who cheat more than £20,000 benefits.
He deferred sentence until November 10 to allow Wright time to sell the property.
