EnI
Piston Pioneer
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But I do like this:
Betty got busted! Finally!
A benefits cheat who illegally claimed £6,000 in benefits was caught when investigators found him working as a drag queen named Betty Swollocks.
John Townsend claimed he was unemployed despite working nights in a gay bar in flamboyant dress and make-up Photo: SWNS
By News agencies
11:02AM BST 30 Aug 2013
John Townsend, 62, claimed he was unemployed despite working nights in a gay bar in flamboyant dress and make-up.
He pocketed more than £6,000 in housing and council tax benefits over four years but was finally caught when investigators found invoices for his work at two cabaret clubs.
Townsend admitted four counts of benefit fraud between November 2007 and September 2011 at Brighton Magistrates Court in East Sussex.
He did not attend court as his alter-ego but instead wore a sober pinstripe black suit, yellow tie and black shoes.
The cross-dresser was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, made to pay £500 costs and will have the amount he illegally claimed deducted from his benefits.
Townsend - who is said to do an "amazing Tina Turner" - is popular in clubs and pubs in Brighton's Kemp Town district and has appeared on floats at Pride.
The court heard how fraud investigators found invoices for Betty's work, signed either J Towns or J Townsend, at local clubs Poison Ivy and the Queen's Arms.
Len Batten, prosecuting on behalf of Brighton and Hove City Council, said Townsend "demonstrated a reasonable understanding of the benefit system".
He added: "He said he did work as Betty Swollocks at the Queen's Arms."
Poison Ivy employee James Greenaway also confirmed Townsend worked there.
Jenna Threadgold, defending, said Townsend was "not aware" he was committing a crime by working as Betty.
She said: "The work was sporadic at £25 a night, not a substantial amount of money.
"He was homeless living in a hostel. He is extremely remorseful."
Townsend is still working as a drag queen in Brighton.
A fan of Betty Swollocks said online: "Betty has been performing in Brighton for the past 17 years. She performs up to seven times a week."
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
