BNP chief 'failed to reveal partner was working'

THE group leader of the British National Party on Calderdale Council failed to declare that his partner was earning up to £350 a month while he claimed benefits, a court heard yesterday.

Richard Mulhall, 38, of Mozley Drive, Halifax, who represents the Illingworth Ward of Halifax faces four charges of benefit fraud.

In particular he is charged with obtaining benefits without notifying the authorities that his partner, Anne Jackson, was working and secondly two charges of making false declarations with a view to obtaining benefits between June 23, 2003 and March 15, 2005. Mulhall denies the charges.

Yesterday a jury at Teesside Crown Court heard a tape of an interview in which Mulhall was asked by fraud investigators representing Calderdale Council and the Department of Work and Pensions why he had failed to declare that his partner was working when he filled in forms for Job Seekers' Allowance.

On at least five occasions he told investigators he had "no idea" why he had not done so.

During the taped interview it emerged that Miss Jackson had begun working at a care home in Pellon, Halifax, in December 2002. Although at times she might only work a few hours as a domestic, on other occasions as she also became a care worker she was working sometimes in excess of 100 hours a month.

At one point, Martin Rushworth, an investigator for Calderdale Council said: "You knew she was working and you have not told us when you had opportunity to do so."

Mulhall replied: "It's my fault, but to be honest with you … I honestly thought it was fully legit."

The investigator added: "It's still doesn't alter the fact that when you stated on a form whether Anne was working you said 'No'. "

Mulhall then asked how much he was overpaid so he could borrow money from his parents and pay it off.

On Monday the court heard the sum involved was £3,000.

The trial continues.

Ends

Home news | credit: Robert Sutcliffe
Wednesday, 18 October 2006 | Source: Yorkshire Post