'Unemployed' market trader guilty on £15k benefit fraud

Fraudster Mohammed Farooq Anjum had told authorities he was out of work, penniless and struggling to provide for his family.

But Wolverhampton Magistrates Court heard the 55-year-old was bossing an operation selling underpants and socks at markets in Walsall, Willenhall and Stoke-on-Trent.

Anjum's 20-month run of swindling the taxpayer finally came to an end when he was arrested in December 2012 following a lengthy investigation.

Prosecuting on behalf of Wolverhampton City Council, Ms Jacky Bramley told the court Anjum first started claiming unemployment benefit in April 2010.

"On his application he stated he was not working and had no other income," she said.

"This was a lie, as evidence later emerged he was working six days a week on as a market trader."

The court heard Anjum made a further four fraudulent claims between December 2011 and January 2012.

"He knew exactly what he was doing," continued Ms Bramley.

"He contacted benefits agencies about attending car boot sales to supplement his benefits.

"When he was asked to produce proof of income he lied about a cash deposit of £200 made into his bank account, claiming he had received it from the sale of his old van.

"Yet throughout this period he continued to set up his market stall."

The court was told Anjum flatly denied his deception during a police interview.

Ms Bramley added: "Shortly after he spoke to police Anjum cancelled his benefits claim, stating he had started working 40 hours per week as a market trader.

"He had declared he was living with his partner who had entered the country within the previous two years.

"On her passport it said she was to have no recourse to public funds, but that did not deter Anjum from getting support from the state."

Anjum's fraudulent claims amounted to £15,021 in Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance and Council Tax Benefit.

Mr Harbinder Gahir, defending, said his client had resorted to the fraudulent behaviour after falling into financial difficulties.

He said: "He has two sons to support and was struggling financially.

"The biggest difficulty he faces after these proceedings is that he has tarnished his previously good character. He is happy to repay the money which he has wrongly claimed."

Anjum, of Bamford Road, Penn Fields, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to eight counts of dishonestly making a false statement to obtain benefits.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks custody suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £600 costs.

The court was told Wolverhampton City Council had prepared civil proceedings to recover the full amount of Anjum's fraud.