A fraudster must repay more than £144,000 after being convicted of an elaborate benefit and mortgage scam spanning eight years.

Kevin Townsend, 39, of Merlin Close, Wallington, deceived the authorities to fund foreign holidays and set up his daughters for life.

A two-year investigation by Sutton Police and Sutton Council found he fraudulently claimed various state benefits and concealed bank accounts.

Townsend also received regular income on two properties mortgaged to him, but failed to declare the rental business.

At Croydon Crown Court, he was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and made the subject of a supervision order.

Judge Tanzer, passing sentence, described Townsend as a broken man who indulged in an “erratic period of dishonesty and greed”.

Sutton borough commander Chief Superintendent Guy Ferguson said: “This individual had set up a fraud to fund a generous lifestyle from public funds and benefits meant for people who have real needs, especially during the current economic climate.

“This is the kind of thing the public expect us to be involved with and to investigate thoroughly and we will not allow criminals to get away with it.

“They must also expect to have their ill-gotten gains taken from them. This work will be ongoing and I can promise more of the same in future.”

The confiscated £144,543 – a sum based on the assets available to Townsend – will be split between the Department of Work and Pensions, Sutton Council and the Home Office.

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