26/06/2012

'Rogue Traders' Presenter Admits Benefit Fraud

A presenter of a BBC programme which exposes bogus and rip-off workmen was left red-faced today when he admitted to benefit and council tax fraud.

Dan Penteado, who presents alongside Matt Allwright on Rogue Traders, pocketed more than £24,000 that he was not entitled to.

The 40-year-old was claiming Government hand-outs while still receiving payments for his television role.

He pleaded guilty to eight charges of benefit fraud at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court today and was warned he could face jail.

Kerry O'Neill, prosecuting, told magistrates private investigator Penteado lied about having an additional bank account.

The offences date back to 2007 and were repeated every year up to 2011, the court heard.

Miss O'Neill said Penteado had signed verification forms on October 17 2007, March 1 2008 and January 14 2009, stating that his information was "true and accurate" – but he did not disclose his other bank account with Nationwide.

Bournemouth Borough Council found him out in 2008, by which time he had already received tens of thousands of pounds from the BBC without declaring it.

Earlier this month, Penteado was barred from working on the new series of Watchdog's Rogue Traders.

In March he started paying the money back to the council, at a rate of £70 a month.

Penteado was granted unconditional bail while a pre-sentence report is prepared and will re-appear at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on July 30.

(NE)

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