Former benefits clerk admits stealing £900 to pay off a debt

Jan 18 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Liverpool Echo

AN administrator admitted stealing £900 in benefit payments to pay off a debt, a court heard.

David Cavanagh transferred the money to his own accounts while working as a benefits clerk at the Department for Work and Pension’s offices in Birkenhead.

Wirral magistrates court was told Cavanagh, 37, of St David’s Road, Anfield, had worked for the DWP for 14 years.

He was sacked following an investigation into six “unusual” transfers of benefit payments between July 22 and August 19 last year.

The court heard Cavanagh, who admitted taking the money when questioned by investigators, was a carer for his sick mum.

Quentin Neale, defending, said several of Cavanagh’s former colleagues had supplied glowing character references for him.

When interviewed he said he had panicked after he received a letter giving him 24 hours to contact debt collectors over a £900 debt. He described his actions as “very stupid”.

District Judge Michael Abelson ordered Cavanagh to complete 100 hours of community service and pay the DWP back.