Chorley Court Listings - Tuesday November 20 2018

A woman who failed to declare her savings in order to claim benefits she was not entitled to has been ordered to pay back her ill gotten gains.

Brenda Howarth, 60, of Deerfold, Chorley, was previously given a 26 weeks jail term suspended for 18 months after admitting two counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances between March 17, 2013 and July 11, 2016.

Preston Crown Court heard she failed to tell Chorley Borough Council she had capital over the prescribed limit, affecting her claim for housing benefit.

Similarly she admitted failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions, affecting her entitlement to Employment and Support Allowance.

During a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, Judge Simon Newell agreed she had benefited to the tune of £37,324.20 but only had £6,000 of assets she could pay back at this time. She must pay within three months or face prison.

Linford Stephen Ainsworth, 23, of Maude Street, Chorley, was ordered to pay £85 court costs by Preston magistrates for stealing coffee worth £30 from Co Op, He had to pay £30 compensation. The offence happened in Chorley on September 18.

Jake Samuel King, 27, of Alexander Close, was given a community order with unpaid work for driving without due care and attention and failing to stop following an accident where someone was injured. He had to pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 court costs. His driving record was endorsed with 10 points. The offence happened in Myles Standish Way, Chorley, on June 6.

Louis Grant, 36, of York Close, Leyland, was fined £250 for driving without valid insurance and licence. He had to pay £85 court costs and £30 victim surcharge. His record was endorsed with six points. The offence happened in Claremont Avenue, Leyland, on April 14.