Camborne man with Leicestershire property lied about being homeless

Dominic Hallgate, 50, of Penponds Road, Camborne pleaded not guilty to making two fraudulent applications to Cornwall Housing and Coastline Housing when he appeared at Truro Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Mr Hallgate denied dishonestly failing to disclose to both Cornwall Housing and Coastline Housing when applying for a house as a homeless person that he in fact owned a property in Leicestershire.

Working in partnership with the two companies, Cornwall Council’s corporate fraud team had conducted an investigation into the homeless applications and established that Mr Hallgate did in fact own the property and that he rented it out.

The court found Mr Hallgate guilty in respect of both charges and sentenced him to a three year conditional discharge, which will see him return to court for sentencing if any conditions are broken, and ordered him to pay £1,200 towards the council’s costs as well as a £15 victim surcharge.

Coastline Housing's head of housing services Kevin Brown said: “Tackling tenancy fraud is high on Coastline’s agenda, and we take a very dim view to tenancies being obtained through fraudulent behaviour. When a case comes to our attention, we take appropriate action to remedy the matter, and our partnership with the council’s fraud team is highly valued. Thanks go to them in achieving a good result in this case.”

Cornwall Housing managing director Jane Barlow said: “Cornwall Housing takes fraud very seriously and will always take appropriate action when it is found as we need to ensure that we make the best use of affordable housing and meet genuine housing need. I would encourage anyone with any concerns about potential fraud to call the confidential hotline on 0800 7316125.”

Cornwall Council has said it operates a zero tolerance policy to fraud and corruption. If you suspect fraud is occurring, call the free confidential fraud hotline on 0800 7316125.