49-year-old was wrongly paid almost £2,000 in benefits
A singer from Onchan who failed to declare his work in bars and pubs whilst claiming benefits has been ordered to work with the probation service.
Stewart Gray, of The Park, was overpaid almost £2,000 in taxpayer’ backed support he wasn’t entitled to between May and September last year.
The 49-year-old had been paid cash-in-hand for a number of gigs at Douglas venues but failed to tell Treasury he was earning money.
He later admitted two offences of making false representations to obtain benefits.
During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse the court heard Gray had been investigated for a similar offence in August 2022 when he’d been overpaid £2,910; for that he’d received an official caution.
Gray’s advocate told the court: "He realises now his singing, and music career, is at an end."
Imposing a 12-month probation order Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told him: “You would have been under no illusion as to what was required from your declarations.”
Gray was also ordered to pay prosecution costs; the court was told Treasury will have to recover the overpayment, of £1,908, civilly.
Government target to create 5,000 new jobs 'isn't set correctly'
MHK calls for more 'pragmatic' approach to climate targets
Manx Telecom fined £100,000 by CURA
'Very promising' aurora borealis tonight
