by Craig Borland

A MEDICAL report has been ordered on a Clydebank man who lied in order to obtain more than £4,000 in housing benefit from West Dunbartonshire Council.

Frank Farrell, 52, falsely stated on a housing and council tax claim form on May 1, 2014 that he had no income, failing to declare that he was in receipt of a long-term disability payment from the NHS.

Farrell, of King Street, appeared in court for sentencing on December 1, when his solicitor, Gail Campbell, pointed out that he had admitted his guilt at the earliest opportunity.

Farrell had pleaded guilty on November 1 to obtaining housing benefit of £4,045.04 to which he was not entitled, and sentence was deferred for a background report.

Ms Campbell told the hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court that she had contacted the local authority seeking evidence that the money was being repaid, but had yet to receive a response.

“He has told the author of the background report that he is paying back the sum at £50 a month,” Ms Campbell told Sheriff Simon Pender.

“He has quite severe mobility difficulties, but there is no medical report available, and given the serious nature of the matter I wonder if I should ask for a continuation of the case.

“Lack of information doesn’t assist him and it doesn’t assist your Lordship, and restricts the options open to you.”

Farrell’s plea of not guilty to a further charge of obtaining £1,932.60 by making a similar false statement in September 2013 was accepted by prosecutors.

Sentence was deferred until December 22.