Selkirk Sheriff Court heard on Monday how a retired teacher fraudulently claimed more than £30,000 in benefits.
The 66-year-old first offender failed to declare an occupational pension, and for some four years received over £21,000 pension credit. He also collected more than £9,000 housing and council tax benefit over a two-year period.
Allan Baldwin admitted obtaining £21,217.80 pension credit to which he was not entitled between July 25, 2007, and August 21, 2011, at Muthag Street, Selkirk.
He also pleaded guilty to obtaining £9,091.76 housing and council tax benefit to which he had no right to between January 6, 2009, and July 17, 2011, at Meadowfoot Road, Ecclefechan.
Baldwin had sentence deferred until April 8 for a supplementary report.
Depute procurator fiscal Tessa Bradley told how the accused was receiving monthly payments to his bank account from an occupational pension. When enquiries were made, Baldwin confessed, commenting: “All I can say is that I have been ill for a long time.”
His lawyer, Greig McDonell, said Baldwin had retired early in 1996 through ill-health.
“When he reached retirement age, he was entitled to a state credits and was suffering health difficulties when he applied,” he explained.
Mr McDonell said his client realised he should not be receiving the benefits, but “felt trapped and decided to stay quiet about it”.
The solicitor went on: “He may have made a confused error initially, but became aware of that and had the opportunity to tell the benefits agency, which he didn’t.”
Mr McDonell said his client was currently making some repayments, but appreciated it would take a considerable time for the sum to be repaid.
He said Baldwin, who now lives at Peter Street, Rishton, Blackburn, appreciated custody would be considered, but that such a disposal would have a severe impact on his family.