A former police officer who assisted a relative with a benefit fraud has been handed a suspended sentence.

Michael Stephen Crompton was a police sergeant at the time of the offence but has since lost his job.

The 46-year-old admitted helping the woman, who has since died, to hide savings of £40,000 which resulted in her claiming £4,674 of benefits she was not entitled to.

Crompton was originally charged with 20 counts of theft and a money laundering offence, all of which he denied, but they were withdrawn by the prosecution.

In coverage of his previous court appearances, we reported that Crompton was a police sergeant at the time of the offence.

His most recent rank was detective constable.

Prosecuting advocate Jason Stanley told the court that in September 2011 the woman began claiming income support for pensioners.

This is means-tested and she failed to declare savings which would have meant she did not qualify for the benefit.

In January 2014, Crompton was said to have discovered the fraudulent claim and suggested that the savings be transferred to an account in his name in an attempt to hide it.

An internet account was set up and a number of transfers were made totalling £40,000 with the woman’s agreement.

Mr Stanley said that the money had since been repaid to the woman’s estate, which Crompton was not a beneficiary of, so he had not benefited from the offence.

When interviewed Crompton, who lives in Imman Stronnag, Peel, initially denied any wrongdoing, saying he was looking after the money to guard against fraudsters.

However, during a second interview he admitted having discovered the benefit fraud and suggesting moving the money.

The court heard that he has no previous convictions.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood handed several letters of reference for his client.

The woman’s daughter said that Crompton always showed her mother ongoing love and support, taking her on cruises and doing odd jobs for her.

Mr Wood said that Crompton was devoted to the woman and treated her a ’second mum’.

’When he found out she had already commenced obtaining benefits he agreed to assist so she didn’t get into trouble,’ said the advocate.

Mr Wood said that Crompton had suffered a loss of employment, loss of face and a loss of health, which was detailed in a doctor’s report.

The advocate referred to previous cases of benefit fraud where the defendants had not received a custodial sentence.

He continued: ’The references show a man still well-regarded. A man who’s given years to the community, 20 years or so on the force.

’This is not an abuse of position or breach of trust case. It just happens he was a police officer, not that the offence depended on him being a police officer.’

Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith accepted Mr Wood’s last comment but said: ’The Isle of Man public have a right to expect the highest standards from police officers.’

Mr Arrowsmith said that, when deciding to suspend the sentence, he had taken into account Crompton’s guilty plea, his lack of previous convictions, his loss of employment, his loss of reputation, and the impact on his family.

Crompton must also pay £125 prosecution costs.