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Man who lost money in property crash sentenced for benefit fraud

John Latimer was due to stand trial at Belfast Crown Court
John Latimer was due to stand trial at Belfast Crown Court John Latimer was due to stand trial at Belfast Crown Court

A Belfast man who "owed the bank millions" due to the property crash has appeared in court for a case cited as a "modern day tragedy" by a judge.

Alan Jones was ordered to serve 120 hours community service after admitting a series of benefit frauds over a four-year period.

Belfast Crown Court heard the 51-year-old spend a vast part of his life travelling and working around the world, but returned to Northern Ireland in 1999 to support his mother following the death of his father.

When he returned, Jones took over his father's property business, but "was not very business savvy" and following the property crash he "owed the bank millions ... and all his assets were stripped."

Jones, from Oakleigh Park, was also declared bankrupt, and signed on claiming Job Seekers Allowance.

A certain times over a period from February 2011 to May 2015, Jones made a false declaration whilst claiming benefits, as he failed to disclose that he was renting a room in his house for £159 per week - amounting to an overpayment of just over £20,000.

Judge Patricia Smyth was told that while Jones's initial benefit claim was legitimate, there were occasions when he made false declarations to the Social Security Agency.

Jones - who appeared in court with no criminal record - also failed to declare he had capital, which came in the form of inheritance when his mother passed away.

A barrister acting for Jones spoke of his client's good character, adding he was a man who had gone from being "extremely wealthy to financial ruin." He also spoke of the impact the death of both parents has had on Jones.

Ordering Jones to complete 120 hours community service, Judge Patricia Smyth said the case was a "modern day tragedy".

She added: "The circumstances of the property crash in 2008 have had far-reaching consequences for many people."

The Judge also said she was "entirely satisfied" that Jones would not appear in court again, adding: "It is absolutely clear to me this is not a case where the defendant was engaging in a luxurious lifestyle, or using the money for any flash purposes."