A FRAUDSTER who dishonestly claimed more than £40,000 in benefits has had a confiscation order made against his assets.

The order was granted last week at Minshull Street Crown Court against Gary Betts, 50, of Ryebank Road, Firswood.

It ordered Betts to repay £261,429, including the amount taken in benefits.

Betts was sentenced in 2013 to 10 months in prison for dishonestly claiming benefits totalling £43,777.

He was convicted after failing to declare capital in excess of £16,000 and unexplained income going into his bank account.

The investigation found that he had claimed benefits for his family for almost 20 years, while his wife was driving a Range Rover costing over £50,000 and the family were living a luxurious lifestyle.

Betts had also been found in possession of 3,000 litres of diesel which was seized by Greater Manchester Police.

Following the conviction, Trafford Council staff conducted a confiscation investigation under Proceeds of Crime legislation and failing to fully repay this will see him facing a further three years in prison.

The initial investigation came about as a result of an ongoing partnership working initiative involving Trafford Council, GMP and a number of other agencies entitled Operation Bank, which is aimed at tackling organised crime gangs operating within the borough.

‘It reinforces the council’s determination to identify and prosecute perpetrators of benefit fraud’ Cllr Patrick Myers Executive Councillor Patrick Myers, said: “Securing this confiscation order reinforces the council’s determination to identify and prosecute perpetrators of benefit fraud.

“This outcome means Betts’ will no longer be able to continue living a lavish lifestyle, surrounding himself and his family with luxury, from illegally gained public money.”