A HALE man who claimed benefits on the grounds of low income, despite driving a Mercedes and sending his child to a fee-paying school, has been sent to prison.

Mohammed Tariq Sharif, age 46, of Buttermere Drive, Hale, was convicted of failing to notify the Trafford Council of a change in his financial circumstances and dishonestly claiming housing and council tax benefit.

Mr Sharif pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £30,000 in housing and council tax benefit between March 2007 and March 2013.

Mr Sharif had failed to disclose his income of over £190,000, which was found to be going through his bank accounts. This equated to over £2,600 of extra income per month than he had actually declared to the authority.

The investigation also highlighted, that despite claiming benefit on the grounds that he had a low income he drove a Mercedes Kompressor, and one of his children attended a fee paying school.

He was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, Minshull Street on October 31 to an immediate custodial sentence of 8 months in prison.

The council is also pursuing a proceeds of crime act confiscation action against Sharif, which is set to be heard in March 2015.

Executive member for finance, councillor Patrick Myers, said: “Securing this confiscation order reinforces the council's determination to identify and prosecute perpetrators of benefit fraud.

“This outcome means that Mr Sharif will no longer be able to continue living a lavish lifestyle from illegally gained public money.

“Such convictions ensure that public money goes only to those who are legally entitled to support.”

If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 2852 or via Freephone number 0800 328 6340.