Hove benefit cheat admits £113k fraud

A benefit cheat from Hove has pleaded guilty in court to false claims totaling £113,000.

Trevor Gunn, of Chapel Mews, Hove, admitted ten counts of benefit fraud at Lewes Crown Court today (Friday 3 February).

He was prosecuted by Brighton and Hove City Council for making false claims for housing benefit and council tax benefit from 2003 to 2011.

Gunn bought a house in Chapel Mews in 2000 and the house next door in 2003, the court was told.

He drew up false tenancy agreements with a Shana Mathai, whom he claimed was his landlord and the owner of both properties.

All tenancy agreements stated that Shana Mathai owned and lived in Third Avenue, Hove.

But this was the address of Mr Gunn’s sister – and a second London address for Shana Mathai was also false.

Mr Gunn also claimed working tax benefit saying that he was a self-employed homeopath.

He was bailed until Wednesday 29 February when he is due to be sentenced.