Care worker to face trial for benefit fraud after claiming he was too ill to work

A COUNCIL social care worker is to stand trial accused of conning benefits bosses out of almost £7000 by claiming he was too ill to work.

Greig Hannigan is alleged to have told the Department for Work and Pensions he was “medically unfit” to work.

But he is said to have been working for Dundee City Council as a social care worker for more than a year while claiming disability living allowance.

Prosecutors allege he made a false statement on a claim form stating he needed a “high level of assistance” and could not work as a result.

Hannigan, 32, of Cowgate, Dundee, denied a charge under the Social Security Administration Act.

Defence solicitor Jim Laverty told Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday that they were not yet ready to proceed to trial.

He said: “Further inquiries may have to be made.”

The case is due to continue next month.