An Inverness plumber who claimed more than £26,000 of incapacity benefit despite having returned to work and having an income of more than £45,000 in one year, will be sentenced next month.
Alistair MacLellan, 49, of 9 Blackwell Road, Culloden, admitted failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) of the change in his circumstances and claimed £26,804.58p to which he was not entitled between August 2008 and February 2013.
Fiscal depute Roderick Urquhart told Sheriff Margaret Neilson: “He had claimed the benefit when he was unable to work. Then the DWP got information that he had capital in excess of the maximum allowed.
“Inquiries were made and it was confirmed that he not only had capital but income as well. In one tax year of 2009-2010, he had an income of £45,869. This was the highest figure during the period he continued to claim.
“Two of his suppliers were contacted and they confirmed that he was a customer around once a month buying supplies for his business.”
Defence solicitor Duncan Henderson was asked by the sheriff to obtain information about how much had actually been repaid.
Mr Henderson said: “It was a genuine claim but he did not notify them of his return to work. He is not in a position to immediately repay the sum but accepts it will have to be repaid but it will take him a long time to do it.”