A BENEFIT fraudster has been jailed for four months after claiming more than £47,000 he was not entitled to.

Antar Sabbah, of York Avenue, Headington, was given a prison sentence after appearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Monday last week.

The 61-year-old admitted dishonestly claiming council tax benefit, jobseekers’ allowance and employment and support allowance.

His offences took place between December 2008 and April last year when a spokesman for Oxford City Council said he was in work.

As a result he was charged with dishonestly failing to declare his employment to the city council and the Department for Work and Pensions Carol Quainton, fraud investigations manager at the council, said: “During the summing up, the magistrate commented that it was one of the worse cases of benefit fraud they had dealt with in recent times.

“If you are aware of people committing this type of fraud, it is important to contact the council as we will take action against those who commit it as this case proves.”

Sabbah will also have to pay back the money to the council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Anyone with concerns that a person they know is claiming benefits when they should not be can contact the city council’s Benefit Fraud line on 01865 252222, email enefitfraudline@oxford.gov.uk or complete the benefit fraud ‘Report it’ form at oxford.gov.uk

  • Our top stories: