Paisley benefits cheat raked in almost £170K of Universal Credit
At Carlisle's Rickergate court, he pleaded guilty to three offences.
The first was a "fraud by false representation", in which he submitted 157 fake claims to the Department for Work and Pensions while he purported to be 68 other people, the court heard.
The charge states that he "hijacked the identity" of the people involved, submitting claims by purporting to be them. He also admitted 'making articles for use in fraud."
The charge states that this included him preparing 'falsified tenancy agreements', mini statements, and bank letters about opened accounts.
The final offence he admitted was acquiring criminal property – namely the cash that he illegally claimed as Universal Credit, worth £169,045.
All three offences were committed between December 18, 2018, and March 28, 2021.
Prosecutor Diane Jackson said the defendant, from Ladyburn Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire, used the personal details of 'numerous' people to lodge Universal Credit claims, requesting advanced payments.
'In each new claim, advanced payments were applied for,' she said. She added that the high value of the fraud meant that magistrates had insufficient powers to appropriately sentence the defendant.
The defendant had no previous offences on his record.
Barley was brought to court in custody after he failed to attend an earlier scheduled hearing – the result of the court summons going to the wrong address, said defence lawyer Geoff Lockerbie.
Since being released on police bail, he had been in work and is currently earning £700 per week, said the lawyer.
The proud owner of two dogs, which he treasures, he was keen before being sentenced to make the necessary arrangements for their care.
'He would like to put his affairs in order before the inevitable conclusion to this at the crown court," said Mr Lockerbie.
'And we can all guess what that inevitable outcome may be. He has had this hanging over his head for 18 months. He has a good job, with an employer he respects and who respects him.
'He hopes to be able to return to that job.
"He is deeply apologetic and during his police interview in February last year he made full admission.'
Magistrates sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court for a sentencing hearing on September 9, granting the defendant unconditional bail until that day.
The defendant spoke during the hearing only to confirm his personal details and to enter his guilty pleas to the three allegations.
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