William Edward May made $67,000 in bogus welfare claims in just 12 months

A former printer and publisher was caught making bogus welfare claims over 12 months. Find out what happened in court.

A former printer and publisher stole the identity of about 50 people in order to make bogus claims for more than $67,000 in welfare to help feed his drug habit.

William Edward May claimed the payments over 12 months using other people’s identities and also setting up bank accounts to claim the payments.

The 38-year-old was in the grip of an addiction to the drug ice when making the claims between July 2018 and July 2019.

He was also on probation for dishonesty offences and convicted of other dishonest offences in December 2018.

May pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court on Tuesday to 55 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception and three counts of possession of identification information.

Acting Judge Katarina Prskalo sentenced May to three years’ prison to be released on a good behaviour bond after he has served 14 months. May has been in custody for 338 days.

“These kinds of offences are viewed seriously because they are easy to commit, they are prevalent and they involve the abuse of a system that relies upon the honesty of those who participate,” she said.

“Offences of this kind lead to a loss of confidence into the integrity and worth of the system and create a risk of disadvantaging the genuine and needy who require assistance.”

Commonwealth prosecutor Roman Micairan said May had received 203 social security payments he was not entitled to in just 12 months.

He said May would use stolen identities to make the claims.

Some were legitimate claims but May redirected the payments into bank accounts he controlled.

When he was detected, police found identification details of more than 50 other people across three Gold Coast locations.

Mr Micairan said May’s actions increased the risk of people who legitimately needed welfare being “demonised”.

“He took advantage of system that was designed to support those requiring assistance,” he said.

Defence barrister James McNab, instructed by Allen & Searing Criminal Lawyers, said May was struggling with an addiction to the drug ice at the time and was homeless.

“There was no lavish lifestyle,” he said.

“It was indeed to try and support his addiction and trying to support his family.”

A doctor’s report tendered to the court described May as “oblivious drug affected and apathetic”.

Mr McNab said May had been a productive member of society until spiralling into drug addiction in 2017.

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Originally published as William Edward May made $67,000 in bogus welfare claims in just 12 months