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FIVE Enfield residents have been found quilty of fraudently claiming nearly £50,000 of housing and council tax benefits since the beginning of the year.

In the latest case John and Deborah Afadama, of Dendridge Close, were caught claiming almost £11,000 of housing and council tax benefits.

They came up with the scheme as Mrs Afadama, 25, owned the house under her maiden name Deborah Banjo.

Mr Afadama, 46, sent in an application for benefits and a tenancy agreements between himself and his wife under her maiden name, without declaring any relationship between them when asked.

Councillor Michael Lavender, deputy leader of finance and resources, said: "The council will continue to pursue people who claim benefits to which they are not entitled.

"As we develop ever more sophisticated ways of uncovering fraud against the council, the message is there is nowhere to hide."

Mr and Mrs Afadama both pleaded not guilty during their two-day trail at Enfield Magistrates Court last month.

However, Mr Afadama was found guilty on two counts of dishonesty and giving a false statement with the intention of obtaining benefits and sentenced to ten months' imprisonment.

On appeal his sentence was suspended for 18 months and he was ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service.

Mrs Afadama was found guilty of dishonestly causing or allowing her husband to produce statement and sentenced to a five-month suspended jail sentence and 240 hours' community service.

Also before the courts were Devon Brown, of Somerset Road, Edmonton, who was ruled to have fraudulently claimed £3,217.31 in housing and council tax benefit and was ordered to do 240 hours' unpaid work and ordered to pay Enfield Council £200.

Patricia McKenzie, of Brimsdown Avenue, Enfield, was charged with obtaining property by deception after receiving £25,327.76 in benefits and sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment (suspended for 24 months) and 200 hours' community service.

And Jagmohan Singh, of Felixstowe Road, Edmonton, pleaded guilty to fraudulently receiving £10,160.61 in housing and council tax benefit and was sentenced to a £300 fine, £100 costs, ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and then a further £100 monthly.

The council will also be seeking to recover any money claimed fraudulently, regardless of the courts actions.

Cllr Lavender said: "Just don't commit benefit fraud in the first place. Or if you do, be prepared for us to track you down."

12:55pm Monday 12th May 2008

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