Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'Rogue Traders' presenter jailed for benefit fraud

 

Wednesday 18 July 2012 11:15 BST
Comments
Pentaedo is known for his leather-clad TV persona on BBC's Rogue Traders
Pentaedo is known for his leather-clad TV persona on BBC's Rogue Traders (BBC)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

BBC Rogue Traders presenter Dan Penteado has been jailed for 12 weeks for council tax and housing benefit fraud worth more than £24,000.

The 40-year-old, who chases down bogus workmen with Matt Allwright on the television show, had previously admitted eight offences of dishonestly or knowingly claiming the benefits while not declaring he earned more than £56,000 from the BBC.

His solicitor Terrence Scanlan told Bournemouth Magistrates' Court he committed the fraud from 2008 to 2012 because he was on a short-term contract with the BBC and made the "very poor judgment not to interrupt the flow of housing benefit".

Debt-ridden Penteado was only caught when a council housing benefit officer recognised him on Rogue Traders and matched the name to his fraudulent application.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in