CHINGFORD: Councillor fraud trial begins (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

CHINGFORD: Councillor fraud trial begins

11:30am Sunday 18th January 2009 in Waltham Forest News

THE the trial of a councillor and his wife who are accused of benefit fruad has begun.

Graham Sinclair, who represents Chingford Green, and his wife Deborah de la Nougerede deny fraudulently claiming benefits totalling over £9,000.

Cllr Sinclair, of Hatch Lane, Chingford, faces charges of dishonestly failing to notify the borough of Waltham Forest of a change in circumstances which he knew would affect his entitlement to income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit.

His wife is charged with making dishonest representations on a benefit claim form.

The couple deny the charges and are on trial at Southwark Crown Court.

If Cllr Sinclair receives a prison term of three months or more, whether suspended or not, he will automatically lose his seat, triggering a by-electon.

He has already been suspended by the council Conservative group.

Check the Guardian website for updates.