Langlees man given deadline to pay back income support cash

A man who claimed £7000 of income support is facing a jail sentence if he does not pay it back.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Feb 2018, 16:00 BST
Downie must pay the money back - or face jail. Stock pic: John DevlinDownie must pay the money back - or face jail. Stock pic: John Devlin
Downie must pay the money back - or face jail. Stock pic: John Devlin

Gordon Downie (57) appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday having admitted making false statements and claiming benefits he was not entitled to at his 3 Affric Drive, Langlees home between April 24, 2014, and January 28, 2016.

The court heard Downie had around £70,000 of capital in his bank account, but claimed the majority of it belonged to his brother.

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Sheriff Derek Livingston made a compensation order for Downie to pay the DWP £7000 and also fined him £3000. He gave him three months to pay off the £10,000 total, warning him he faced a jail sentence if he failed to do so.