Preston Universal Credit worker defrauded public purse of £12,000

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A benefits worker has admitted defrauding the public purse of more than £12,000 while working as a Universal Credit Service Agent.

Stuart Robertson, of Ripon Street, Plungington, Preston, committed the frauds over a period between May and July 2019, during which he made advance payments of the benefit to himself.

The 34-year-old indicated guilty pleas to nine counts of fraud by dishonestly abusing his position, during a hearing before Preston Magistrates’ Court.

The charges amount to a total of £12,007.

His case was committed to Preston Crown Court where he is expected to be sentenced on February 1.

He was granted unconditional bail.

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