novanews
Written by CHRIS HAVERGAL
A newly-elected UKIP county councillor faces trial over benefit fraud allegations.
Peter Lagoda is accused of giving Fenland District Council a false address in a bid to swindle extra benefits.
Lagoda, who was elected to represent Wisbech South on Cambridgeshire County Council earlier this month, had entered a not guilty plea at a hearing at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court last month.
Lagoda, 59, of Cocketts Drive, Wisbech, was on the list to appear at Peterborough Crown Court today.
He is alleged to have said he lived in Newland, South Beach, when instead he shared a property in Frinton Way, Wisbech, with a Maria Bell.
The offence is said to have occurred in August 2009.
Lagoda did not respond to the News’ calls yesterday.
Cllr Paul Bullen, deputy leader of the UKIP group, said: “He is innocent until proven guilty.
“As a group we wouldn’t take any action until any case has been concluded.”
