Joseph Peter Marcel Fougere, 74, rented out his council house, which he was also claiming housing benefit for as well as Pension Credit and council tax benefit.
“He built a life out there, with friends and a girlfriend and the like and he has now held his hands up at the first opportunity,” his lawyer Joe O’Leary told Croydon Magistrates Court.
Fougere pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances to the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) between January 25, 2010 and February 10, last year, namely that he was living in Thailand and sub-letting his home.
He also similarly pleaded guilty to failing to notify the DWP between August 22, 2011 and March 31, 2013 relating to council tax benefit and between April 1, 2011 and February 3, last year relating to housing benefit.
Prosecutor Roz Wardell told the court Fougere was caught after a tip-off, applying for him to be sent to the Crown Court, where sentencing powers are greater.
“The defendant failed to declare that he was living abroad, while sub-letting his property, which he was also receiving benefits for.
“The benefits system was funding his lifestyle abroad,” she added, confirming the loss as £66,252.
“It is a large sum of money, the defendant was living abroad and using the benefit system to pay for it.”
The court heard Fougere has medical issues, including osteoarthritis to his knees and shoulders.
“He is of good character and when he first claimed benefits he was entitled to them,” said Mr. O’Leary.
“This is not a man constantly breaking the law, flouting everything and he has made a mistake and he regrets his actions.
“He is already losing his house over this and has nowhere else to go and there is a punishment in that.”
The magistrates said their sentencing powers were insufficient and sent Fougere to Croydon Crown Court for sentencing.
They commented the frauds involved three separate offences and a large amount of money over a long period of time.
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