A Rochdale man has been sentenced after fraudulently claiming a ten thousand pounds covid business grant. He pleaded guilty at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.
Jake Gorton, aged 41, of Raneley Grove in Kirkholt, claimed a small business grant in April 2020 at the start of the covid pandemic.
The court heard he falsely claimed to be running a cafe known as The Little Diner on New Road in Littleborough in order to access the funding, which was intended to support businesses during lockdown restrictions.
Rochdale Borough Council’s fraud team began investigating after receiving information that Gorton had vacated the premises in October 2019. As part of the investigation, officers arranged three interviews with him, which he did not attend.
Gorton appeared in court on 30 March where he was ordered to repay the ten thousand pounds. He must also pay one thousand five hundred pounds in court costs and a ninety pound victim surcharge. The court further ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work within 12 months.
Samantha Smith, director of corporate services at Rochdale Borough Council, said the grants were intended to help businesses survive during a national crisis. She said Gorton had taken money from the public purse that he knew he was not entitled to and warned the council would take action against dishonest claims.
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