A firefighter has "brought shame on his family" by claiming benefits while he was working

The part-time firefighter and his playgroup assistant wife have admitted claiming more than £6,000 in benefits they were not entitled to.

Chelmsford magistrates heard Steven Glover, 36, was serving for Essex Fire Service and his wife Teresa, 34, was working at playgroup in Burnham but they were still claiming housing and council tax benefits.

Alison Underhill, representing Maldon District Council, said the couple, of Dorset Road, Burnham, failed to notify the council when Mrs Glover started working at the playgroup.

"The council found out in October 2001 that Mrs Glover had been earning money since January 2000 but was still claiming benefits," she said.

"Mr Glover was called in for an interview and accepted that his wife had been working but said there were no more details the council should be aware of."

She added the council knew Mr Glover had been working as a firefighter since December 1992 and when asked, he admitted the fact.

She said: "In total the couple have claimed £6,364.96 of benefits."

Russell Haldane, mitigating, said Mr Glover had brought shame on his family.

"They are both genuinely remorseful in respect of what they have done and this has served as a lesson to the two of them."

Mr Haldane added that the couple have started paying the money back to the council.

Mr and Mrs Glover were each given an 80 hour community punishment order and ordered to pay £100 each for using false representation to obtain benefits.

Speaking after the case, Roger Walsh, assistant chief fire officer at the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The implications of Mr Glover's case and his role in the service will be considered by the chief fire officer.

Published Wednesday October 16, 2002

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