Watchdog Dan's job with benefits (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Watchdog Dan's job with benefits
12:01pm Wednesday 27th June 2012 in Opinion By Echo Opinion
Watchdog Dan's job with benefits
WHEN benefit fraudsters appear before the courts, they are usually reminded of one important fact.
They are not just defrauding “the state”, but picking the pockets of every law-abiding taxpayer.
Dan Penteado, who has spent a lot of time pursuing miscreants on the Rogue Traders strand of BBC’s Watchdog, yesterday found himself before Bournemouth Magistrates Court to admit a string of dishonesty offences.
Penteado received £56,432 from the BBC over a period from 2008 to 2011, which hardly makes him a rival to Jonathan Ross in the salary stakes. But by not telling Bournemouth council about these payments, he has embarrassed the Corporation and fleeced the public purse.
We have yet to hear what his defence solicitor has to say in mitigation. But even if we eventually find ourselves feeling some sympathy, there’s no excuse for behaving like a rogue.
