A fraudster claimed housing benefit to rent his own houses to a made-up tenant.
Homeopath Trevor Gunn bought two houses in Chapel Mews, Hove, then drew up fake tenancy agreements and claimed benefits while pretending to rent the properties from a woman called Shana Mathai.
Self-employed homeopath Gunn made the false claims for a period of seven years, from 2003 to 2011, raking in more than £113,000 in illegal benefits.
Gunn, who regularly lectures on homeopathy, pathology and immunisation on TV, radio and in newspapers, also claimed working tax credits while working as a self employed homeopath.
The Dyke Road Natural Health Clinic, in Brighton, where Gunn worked, said yesterday he was fully booked with clients on Monday, March 6.
20 months
Brighton Crown Court yesterday (February 29) sentenced Gunn to 20 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to five counts of making a false representation to claim benefits and five counts of producing a false document.
Gunn has done extensive research into the use of vaccines and had his work, which challenged vaccine safety and effectiveness, published.
A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “Mr Gunn purchased 20 Chapel Mews, Hove, in 2000 and the adjoining property, 21 Chapel Mews, in 2003, and drew up false tenancy agreements with a Shana Mathai, whom he claimed was his landlord and owner of both properties.
“All tenancy agreements stated that Shana Mathai owned and resided at 19A Third Avenue, Hove, but it transpired under investigation by Brighton and Hove City Council’s benefit fraud team that this was the address of Mr Gunn’s sister and a second London address for Shana Mathai was also false.
“Mr Gunn also claimed working tax benefit on the basis of self-employment as a homeopath.”
The case is the second benefit fraudster in a week to be sentenced for cheating the city council out of more than £100,000.
Yesterday The Argus revealed that Hove doctor Barbara Longley cheated £103,000 by keeping her Spanish property a secret.
The city council has vowed to claim back the money conned from taxpayers by benefits cheats.
A spokeswoman said they would be seeking to reclaim Gunn’s £113,618 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
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