A Dundee man who claimed thousands of pounds in benefits after scooping a quarter of a million pounds on the Lottery escaped jail yesterday despite trying to get back on to benefits.
Michael Duthie won the money three years ago, but failed to declare his winnings and continued to claim Jobseekers’ Allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit.
An anonymous tip-off led to an investigation during which Duthie told Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigators there was “no money left” and that it had “all gone on the bookies.”
Dundee Sheriff Court was told Duthie was now living an almost “hand-to-mouth” existence because he had invested substantial sums of money in bonds but was not earning any interest.
Solicitor Ross Bennett told the court Duthie was now appealing a ruling that denied him benefits, despite also telling the court he could access his investment cash to pay a fine if necessary.
Sheriff Elizabeth Munro blasted his “bizarre attitude” and told him: “The world doesn’t owe you a living.”
Depute fiscal Donna Davidson said: “Inquiries were carried out and bank statements were obtained which showed that on March 1 2010, £250,000 had been deposited into the account by Camelot.”
Duthie, 56, of Douglas Road, pleaded guilty on summary complaint to charges that between March 1 2010 and March 26 2012 he failed to notify the DWP that he had won £250,000 and therefore obtained £7,173.79 of Jobseekers Allowance he was not entitled to.
He further admitted that between March 8 2010 and June 24 2012 he failed to declare the win to Dundee City Council and obtained £1,391.82 of council tax benefit.
Duthie also obtained £4,825.52 of housing benefit to which he was not entitled during that period.
Mr Bennett said Duthie had given £50,000 of his winnings to his family and spent another £50,000 on buying his council house.
He said a substantial amount of the money was invested in bonds, but that had left Duthie without any cash.
Mr Bennett said: “He now realises that what he did wasn’t right but he was in the benefits culture and it was like his lottery win was forgotten about.
“I hate to use the phrase a hand-to-mouth existence, but he’s not getting any money he’s getting no interest from his bonds.
“He has not had any benefits at all for over a year and that matter is being taken to appeal.”
Sheriff Elizabeth Munro ordered Duthie to carry out 180 hours of community service.
She said: “I still don’t understand your attitude or why you think your fellow citizens and taxpayers should pay for you why should they pay for you when you have £250,000 there? That’s a bizarre attitude.
“You seem to accept now that the world doesn’t owe you a living. This order is a direct alternative to imprisonment and if it is breached then you will come back before me and I’ll have little alternative but to send you to custody.”