Two fraudsters who have admitted falsely claiming benefits have appeared before court in Southampton in recent months.

Nigel Cross

Nigel Cross, 58, fraudulently claimed Universal Credit for two years by neglecting to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) his partner had died.

He was charged with one count of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting his entitlement to the payment.

Southampton Magistrates' Court heard how Cross's partner – also his joint claimant – had died on April 20, 2020, but Cross did not notify the DWP.

The case was last listed in court documents on September 5, where it was adjourned for another hearing on March 24 of next year.

Cross, of Landguard Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to the charge on November 15, 2023.

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David Wadkin

David Wadkin, 40, admitted failing to inform the DWP that he was working and receiving income, despite benefitting from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

He failed to declare this for two years, between July 2021 and August 2023.

Wadkin, of Wilton Avenue, Southampton, pleaded guilty to one count of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting his entitlement to the payment.

He will appear before Southampton Magistrates’ Court on November 13 to be sentenced.