Clock repairer relied on friend to handle benefits application

Thursday 31 October 2024

A watch and clock repairer accused of fraudulently claiming over £14,000 of benefits after taking on paid work while still receiving income support has said he relied on a friend to handle his application due to his poor English skills.

Earlier this week, the Royal Court heard that 63-year-old Andrzej Remigiusz Berkolec started claiming the benefits at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic when shops were forced to close and he had just “£7 in his pocket”.

He denies one count of failing to notify a change of circumstances to the Social Security Department between April 2020 and June 2022.

Responding to questions from defence Advocate Nicholas Mière, Mr Berkolec told the court that he had never previously applied for income support and was unaware it was available until his friend helped him apply.

The defendant, who was giving evidence through an interpreter, also confirmed that his friend handled the application process – including submitting documents stating that Mr Berkolec had no income, was previously self-employed for 10 years, and faced eviction.

Mr Berkolec, who arrived in Jersey in 2005 after closing his workshop in Poland, testified he could not recall completing forms and was unaware his friend sent emails on his behalf at time time they were submitted to Customer and Local Services.

The prosecution, led by Crown Advocate Mark Boothman, alleged earlier this week that Mr Berkolec took on paid work for TJ Hutchings jewellers while continuing to receive benefits.

Advocate Boothman said that there was no dispute that Mr Berkolec received income support, that he had received an income, and that he had failed to notify the department.

The court must therefore determine whether Mr Berkolec knew or suspected this change would affect his income support payments.

Commissioner Alan Binnington is presiding along with Jurats Elizabeth Dulake and Michael Entwistle who are being asked to decide if a the watch and clock repairer knew he had wrongly claimed £14,078.11 in benefits.