Man fined over £1,000 for illgeally letting his council flat

A Milton Keynes man has been left out of pocket after being caught fraudulently sub-letting his council flat.

Thomas Mann, 46, formerly of Serpentine Court, Bletchley, appeared before city magistrates where he pleaded guilty to illegally sub-letting the council property after moving out.

He was given a compensation order of £910 and was ordered to repay costs of £500, a total of £1,410.

This matter was investigated following information received by Milton Keynes Council, that Thomas Mann was illegally subletting his council property.

A council investigator established through various checks that Mann was no longer living at the property, but had taken deposits and rent payments via his bank account from a sub-tenant.

He later failed to appear for questioning regarding the matter and a warrant was then issued for his arrest.

He was later picked up by police in Leicestershire and brought back to Milton Keynes to appear in court on October 6.

An internal audit spokesperson from the council, said: “We will robustly pursue those people who commit Housing Tenancy fraud in any guise.

“Perpetrators will, where appropriate as in this case, be prosecuted and reparation will be sought to recover monies owed to the taxpayers of Milton Keynes.”

Councillor Nigel Long, added: “Illegal subletting deprives legitimate and deserving people access to much needed affordable housing that is in short supply.

“We are very pleased with this result and we will continue to take robust action against these types of fraudsters.”