A man who stole nearly £170,000 through a benefit fraud scam has admitted to assuming the identities of 68 individuals to submit false Universal Credit applications.
James Stephen Barley, aged 37, appeared before Carlisle's Rickergate court, where he entered guilty pleas to three charges relating to the extensive fraud scheme.
The Paisley resident submitted 157 fraudulent benefit applications between December 2018 and March 2021.
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Court proceedings revealed that Barley systematically used other people's personal information to lodge Universal Credit applications, with each claim including requests for advance payments.
The total sum obtained through the illegal activities amounted to £169,045.
Despite currently holding legitimate employment with weekly earnings of £700, Barley faces potential imprisonment when he appears for sentencing at Carlisle Crown Court on September 9.
The charge states that he "hijacked the identity" of the people involved, creating false documentation to support the benefit applications.
The documents include fabricated tenancy agreements, bank statements and correspondence regarding newly opened accounts.
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James Stephen Barley appeared before Carlisle's Rickergate court
|Barley faced three charges at the magistrates' court: fraud by false representation for the 157 bogus claims made whilst impersonating 68 individuals, creating documents for fraudulent purposes, and obtaining criminal proceeds totalling £169,045.
Prosecutor Diane Jackson explained that the defendant utilised personal information from multiple victims to submit the Universal Credit applications.
She said: "In each new claim, advanced payments were applied for."
The magistrates determined their sentencing powers were inadequate given the substantial sum involved.
The case was transferred the case to the Crown Court
|The case was transferred the case to the Crown Court.
During the proceedings, Barley confirmed his details and entered guilty pleas to all three charges, speaking only when required by the court.
Defence solicitor Geoff Lockerbie told the court his client had been brought into custody after missing a previous hearing due to receiving the summons at an incorrect address.
The lawyer revealed Barley had maintained employment since his release on police bail and currently holds a position earning £700 weekly with an employer who values him.
The magistrates granted unconditional bail until the crown court
|GETTY
Lockerbie said: "He is deeply apologetic and during his police interview in February last year he made full admission.
"He would like to put his affairs in order before the inevitable conclusion to this at the crown court."
Barley, who has no prior criminal convictions, expressed concern about arranging care for his two dogs before sentencing.
The magistrates granted unconditional bail until the crown court hearing scheduled for September 9.