A man has pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud after applying for covid business support grants when his hair salon had already gone out of business.
Martin Fotheringham-Booth, of Nicholson Road, Benfleet, pleaded guilty at Southend Magistrates Court on 27 July 2022.
He ran a hair salon in London Road Westcliff, which closed in January 2020 and business rates were not updated by Mr Fotheringham-Booth or the landlord. But between 21 April 2020 and 7 April 2021, Mr Fotheringham-Booth applied to Southend-on-Sea City Council on numerous occasions for business support grants for the salon totalling £20,193, using his business banking account as evidence.
In court, Mr Fotheringham-Booth’s solicitor advised he was of previous good character, but health concerns and grief led to his behaviour and the money was used on everyday items not luxury living.
Mr Fotheringham-Booth was sentenced to 180 hours unpaid work, £379.67 costs and £95 victim surcharge. The full amount of the grant is being paid back directly by the defendant.
Cllr Stephen George, leader of the council, said: “Whilst the defendant’s motives seem to have been driven by desperation and I’m sure many of us could relate to his feelings of panic during the pandemic, it still doesn’t change the fact he knowingly lied to get a substantial amount of money.
“There were a lot of different national financial schemes in place at the time that would have been better suited to his circumstances. If anyone finds themselves in a similar situation needing help, there are many places to get advice and support, including the council, and places like Citizen’s Advice Bureau.”
Covid business support grants were given by the Government and administered by local authorities. It is the council's responsibility to pursue fraudulent claims, however, if the defendant fails to pay back the money, it will pass to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to follow-up.
All reports of fraud or economic crime against Southend-on-Sea City Council are treated extremely seriously. Incidents can be reported in confidence to the Counter Fraud and Investigation Team on 01702 215254 or email: counterfraud@southend.gov.uk
You do not have to give us your name when you tell us about fraud.