RELIEF FRAUD CASE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23055, 4 June 1938, Page 16

RELIEF FRAUD CASE

MAN SENT TO PRISON SENTENCE OF THREE WEEKS Charged with making a false statement to obtain benefit under the Employment Promotion Act and also with obtaining money under false pretences, William Andrew Somerville, a single man, appeared on summons before Mr. C. Orr Walker, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday. Accused pleaded guilty to both charges. Accused had been receiving sustenance payments between November, 1936, and September last, said Mr. W. A. Black, who represented the Labour Department. During that time JlO had declared his income to be nil, although he had received Various sums from casual work on the wharves. He had made a total of 23 false declarations, and received an excess of £26. In three declarations ho had claimed no earned income when ho had actually been paid weekly sums ranging from £4 12s to £6.

Asked by the magistrate if he had any explanation to offer, accused said he made the false declarations at a time when he was badly ill need of money. Ho was willing to refund the excess money he had received. Accused was sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment in respect of the false pretences charge, and fined £l7 10s and ordered to pay costs. 10s. 011 the other charge.