A Pulrose man who sold Manx coins on eBay while claiming benefits has been jailed.

Paul Robinson, of Laburnum Avenue, admitted 10 counts of benefit fraud which had resulted in him receiving an overpayment of £11,897.

Magistrates jailed him for four weeks, with each offence to run concurrently.

Chairman of the magistrates David Nash told Robinson: ’You have defrauded the Treasury of money set aside to support those who have a genuine need for it. It is clear to us you knew what you were doing was wrong.’

We previously reported how Robinson had been receiving benefits since January 2017, a joint claim for Employed Persons Allowance with his partner.

However, on November 15, 2018, information was received by social security saying that Robinson was doing additional work as a self-employed eBay trader selling Manx coins under the account name ’Jealous People III’.

His eBay account was investigated and showed him being involved in many auctions which had resulted in payments to him of £29,937.05.

When interviewed he admitted failing to declare the earnings and said: ’I’m glad this has all come out.’

He told police that his partner had no idea what he had been doing.

Trading

Defence advocate Andy Baker asked for credit to be given for his client’s early guilty plea and admissions in interview.

’When interviewed by social security inspectors he co-operated with the department,’ said the advocate.

’This is not a case that was fraudulent from the outset. Mr Robinson had a genuine claim for benefits.

’He and his partner were low income workers.

’Mr Robinson began trading coins online.

’It is not uncommon for people to sell odds and sods online.’

Mr Baker said that Robinson had got used to receiving up to £100 a week sometimes for the coins.

’The amount would not be consistent, sometimes it was only around £15. It was different amounts,’ said the advocate.

’Because of this variation he was reluctant to admit to himself there had been a change in circumstances.

’He convinced himself it was okay not to tell social security. But he held his hands up straight away when shown the full picture.’

’They were Manx coins with some sort of artistic quirkyness to them. There was no lavish lifestyle. The cash was swallowed up with the household expenses. They went on a family holiday but it was their first one in six years.’

The court heard that Robinson has so far paid back £150 of the £29,937.