Wealthy Swansea businessman jailed for avoiding repayment of fraudulently claimed benefits

A Swansea businessman who had been fined for fraudulently claiming council tax benefits was jailed recently for failing to repay what he owes Swansea council, despite the court’s leniency on his initial appearance.

Norman Gill failed to repay £166,000 of the £200,000 he originally obtained through carrying out benefit fraud. Mr Gill, aged 61, was jailed for 608 days, although he could be released much sooner, providing that he settles the balance of what he owes, together with 8% compound interest that has been applied to the total amount. The court ruled that Mr Gill will still be required to repay the full amount he owes, even if he serves the full sentence handed down to him.

Benefit crimes of this nature are not viewed by the courts and benefit fraud solicitors as ‘victimless’ offences. In effect, the money claimed fraudulently by Mr Gill was being stolen from everyone who had honestly paid for their council tax in return for the access they received to important public services.

Mr Gill’s attempt to get away with non-payment of the debt is particularly galling when his personal wealth is taken into account. His personal private residence in a popular and affluent area of Swansea is valued at around £700,000, whilst his ‘substantial’ property portfolio brings in £3,500 every month in rental income. In addition, Mr Gill’s fashion business generates an impressive annual turnover of around £90,000. When Mr Gill was originally investigated, he was found to be driving a top of the range performance car and had £56,000 in his current bank account.

Despite being found guilty to eight benefit fraud charges, Gill initially evaded jail at his original court hearing, because he cared for his wife, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. However, despite promising to pay back £30,000 of the £200,000 he owed in the first 14 days following his court appearance, Gill failed to make the payment and he was therefore jailed, following a fresh hearing.