Four people have been convicted for benefit fraud after a number of offences, including claiming benefits from Elmbridge Council they were not entitled to.

David Watt, 50, from Esher, was handed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months at Guildford Crown Court on May 24.

Watts pleaded guilty on April 26, after he dishonestly failed to declare that he owned property for which he was receiving rental income.

In addition, between September 2010 and March 2012, Watts received £16,122.36 of housing benefit and £2,615.72 of council tax benefit from Elmbridge Council which he was not entitled to, but has since repaid the council.

A confiscation order was made at Guildford Crown Court on October 14 in line with an agreement that Watts must pay £34,860.44 and costs of £3,682.62 by April 10, 2014.

Walton resident Samantha Bullard, 31, pleaded guilty to fraud offences at North Surrey Magistrates’ Court on August 16 after failing to report changes in income and people in the household.

Between April 2012 and January 2012, Bullard was overpaid £2,527.60 from the Department of Work and Pensions and £4,722.08 in benefits.

Bullard was given a conditional discharge for two years at North Surrey Magistrates’ court on September 11 and was ordered to pay a £15 surcharge along with repaying the overpayment.

Former Hersham resident, Clare Smith, 33, was fined £300 on September 13 after pleading guilty to failing to notify the council of changes to her income.

Smith received an overpayment of £2,572.70 in housing benefit and £655.17 in council tax between January 2012 and June 2012, which is in the process of being repaid.

Robert Emerson, 60, formerly of West Molesey, who was prosecuted in August 2012, was handed a confiscation order to pay £31,295.30 to Elmbridge Council, which has now been paid.

Councillor James Browne, portfolio holder for housing, said: “I am very pleased to report more successful prosecutions against Elmbridge residents for committing benefit fraud. In two of these cases actions have also involved use of the proceeds of crime act, to ensure any profit gained is recovered.

“This gives a clear message that the council will take all action possible against those responsible for dishonestly claiming benefit to which they are not entitled.”

Suspected benefit fraud can be reported to Elmbridge Council on 01372 474291.