GHOST workers were used by residential home boss Geoffrey Bennett to cover up a social security scam.

Magistrates at Bury heard how undercover investigators set up a month-long surveillance operation at The Gables in Thrush Drive, Bury.

Eventually it was discovered that six of the 17 staff - all of them Bury women - were claiming benefit while working in the home. Between them, they had amassed more than £11,000 in bogus claims.

Prosecuting, Mrs Barbara Booth described how in September and November of last year investigators swooped on The Gables and inspected Bennett's work records. Some staff who had been seen going into and out of the building were not even listed.

In January, social security officers backed up by police raided the premises and later, during interviews, 76-year-old Bennett admitted that he had used the names of "ghost workers" to cover for those employees who were claiming benefit.

In court, Bennett pleaded guilty to providing information which he knew to be false.

Also before the magistrates were 44-year-old Elizabeth Duff of Shepherd Street, Bury, who pleaded guilty to three charges of dishonestly obtaining cash from the Benefits Agency and asked for 49 similar offences to be considered. Carol Burdaky (38) of Ferngrove, Bury, admitted making a false representation and dishonestly obtaining cash.

Stephanie Ainsley (24) from Greywood Avenue, Bury, admitted two offences of making false representations and asked for 37 similar matters to be considered, while her mother Margaret Ainsley (50) of Crabtree Street, Bury, pleaded guilty to three identical charges and asked for 13 others to be considered.

Lesley Campbell (36) of New Cateaton Street, Bury, pleaded guilty to three charges of false representation and asked for 29 others to be considered while 25-year-old Samantha Doherty from Goldfinch Drive, Bury, admitted dishonestly obtaining £1,850.36 from the Department of Social Security.

All the matters were adjourned until July 2 for social enquiry reports to be prepared before magistrates pass sentence.

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