Criminal rakes in so much in benefits he can make regular donations to Labour party

Stephen Nott, a serial offender who admitted burgling a widow’s holiday home, said he receives £3,750 a month in benefits and makes regular donations to the Labour Party. The case has drawn attention to the amount he receives while serving a suspended sentence for the burglary.

Nott, 61, has 30 convictions for 69 offences, including burglary and dishonesty. At Newcastle Crown Court, he was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 12 months, after changing the property’s locks and confronting the owner’s son. Nott said his benefits comprise £3,000 a month in Universal Credit and £750 in Personal Independence Payments; he also said he gives £100 monthly to Labour and pays £795 in rent.