A benefits cheat from Stoke-on-Trent who swindled £29,000 in Universal Credit has managed to avoid jail.
Jordan Emery of Winchester Avenue, Bentilee, dishonestly failed to notify a change of circumstances which affected his entitlement to Universal Credit.
The dad lawfully claimed Universal Credit in March 2019 and, in July 2020, updated his claim to state that his two children had moved into his home.
North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard how the Universal Credit team requested additional information to support his claim in September 2020.
Emery, 33, uploaded a letter from Stoke-on-Trent City Council confirming the children were in his care, reports The Sentinel.
However, in January 2024 the National Benefit Fraud hotline received an anonymous tip-off that both children had not been living there since January 2021.
Prosecutor Alicia Collins told the court: “The defendant received an overpayment of Universal Credit, which he was not entitled to between January 13, 2021, and May 12, 2025.
“The total amount of that claim was £29,944.87. The claim was not fraudulent from the outset.”
Emery pleaded guilty at North Staffordshire Justice Centre
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Paige Morgan, mitigating, said Emery, who has no relevant previous convictions, would have been entitled to some benefits.
She told the court: “There was a breakdown in the relationship.
“The children were initially in his care. He accepts he should have notified them of his up-to-date position, but he did not.
“He was living quite a chaotic lifestyle at that point. He accepts he should have notified them.”
Emery swindled thousands in UC
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PAShe continued: “He was entitled to a benefit. It was the incorrect one he claimed for.
“It is not the case he was not entitled to benefits. He was not living a lavish lifestyle.
“He was homeless during that time. He is now residing with his mother. He is no longer with his ex-partner. He has not committed any offences since.”
Emery pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting his entitlement to benefits between January 13, 2021, and May 12, 2025.
Magistrates at the Newcastle-under-Lyme court sentenced Emery to an 18-month community order with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was fined £40 and ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £114 surcharge.