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Nwicker60
12-Aug-11, 10:24
Council's warning after member jailed for benefits fraud

HIGHLAND COUNCIL has condemned the actions of one of its members, jailed for a year for fraud, and warned that it would take a ‘grave’ view of any similar conduct in the future.
Holden, who represented Inverness South for Labour, had denied falsely claiming £43,000 in benefits but was found guilty after a trial at the city’s sheriff court on Thursday..
Political groupings on the council were united in condemning Holden’s fraudulent behaviour. He now faces expulsion from the party.
The 63-year-old had previously told the court that he had provided “a safe house” for a woman to avoid her estranged husband. But he had continued claiming income support for living alone saying he had no capital and was not working.
Political groupings on the council have united in condemning Holden’s fraudulent behaviour..
Council Convener Sandy Park, on behalf of the Independents, said: "I understand that disqualification from holding office is automatic when the sentence is three months imprisonment or greater. The sentence imposed by Sheriff Abercrombie reflects the gravity of the offences committed by Holden, which included Council Tax Benefit fraud."
Council Leader Michael Foxley said: "Holden has been found guilty of serious charges of fraud. The council’s Administration is united in condemning his actions, which have fallen well short of the standards expected of a councillor."
Councillor Jimmy Gray, Leader of the Labour Group on the council, said Holden had been suspended from the council's Labour Group following his charges, and now that he has been sentenced an automatic expulsion from the party will follow.
Councillor Drew Hendry, Leader of the Opposition, said: "The public should be assured that the Council takes a grave view of any councillor being found guilty of this kind of offence."
Sheriff Abercombie told Holden he was “a dishonest liar and a cheat” and had deluded himself into thinking he was above the law.
The sheriff added: “By deliberately making false claims for benefit and by failing to notify your true financial circumstances, you, together with all other cheats who try to beat the system for personal gain, have undermined that social contract. You have shown cold contempt for it.”