Lottery winning rapist jailed for housing benefit fraud

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Communities and also in Housing, Legal

A rapist who won almost £5 million on the lottery has been jailed for housing benefit fraud.

Edward Putnam, 46, who won the large prize in 2009, was sentenced to nine months at St Albans Crown Court.

Putnam, was previously jailed for seven years in 1993 for rape, fraudently claimed £13,000 in benefits and income support.

He was rumbled when he tried to buy his council house with £84,000 cash, The Sun reports.

At the trial, Judge Bright accused Putnam of excessive greed. Judge Bright said: "It was greed on a scale which, frankly, defies belief, especially in an economic climate when welfare budgets are being cut and those who are properly entitled are struggling to make ends meet."