Local resident found guilty of fraud involving undeclared assets and income

The investigation into Gerry Sherard from Merstham started in 2018 following allegations that Mr Sherard was claiming means-tested benefits that he knew he was not entitled to.

Mr Sherard first received Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Support in January 2016, based on entitlement arising from his claim to Jobseeker’s Allowance and later Universal Credit. In his initial claim, he stated that he was not working (paid or unpaid), was not receiving any other income, and did not own (and had not owned) any property in the United Kingdom or abroad. Benefits were awarded following that claim.

In October 2018, May 2019 and October 2020, Mr Sherard submitted Housing Advice Application forms in which he again answered “no” to questions relating to employment/occupation, other income and assets. He continued to receive benefits during this period.

A Council investigation identified property and other assets that were not declared as part of the benefit claims. Council investigators later established that Mr Sherard owned a property in Burgundy, France. Enquiries also indicated that he had previously owned an apartment in Dubai. Furthermore, the investigation established that from 2001 up until August 2019, Mr Sherard owned a property known as “Harborough’s Hall” in Surrey. This property was sold for £250,000 in August 2019.

Undeclared bank accounts

Investigations also discovered undeclared bank accounts where large deposits were recorded, including £18,000 in February 2016, more than £126,000 and a further £19,000 in April 2016, and more than £185,000 in April 2018. Investigators also identified more than £32,900 in cash deposits over a three-year period.

Account analysis also identified expenditure between February 2016 and July 2019 of more than £397,000. This included spending at Harrods, on designer retailers, antique shops, the Ritz and other hotels, as well as restaurants in Mayfair. Transactions also included flights (including private jet travel) and private school fees.

In October 2020, Mr Sherard was arrested at his home address in Merstham, Surrey and several documents were seized, including letters referring to shareholdings in several listed companies and documents relating to pensions. Investigators also seized IT equipment which contained photographs indicative of a high-value lifestyle.

Interviewed under caution

He was interviewed under caution on two occasions in October 2020, with legal representation and on both occasions, opted for no comment in response to the questions asked.

Investigators concluded that, had Mr Sherard declared his full circumstances —including employment, directorships, assets, shareholdings, property ownership and bank accounts — he would not have been eligible for the benefits claimed. The Council’s losses due to Mr Sherard’s fraud declarations totalled just under £30,000.

A summons was issued on 2 August 2021 but with Mr Sherard pleading not guilty to seven counts of fraud, the case was sent to the Crown Court for trial by jury.

On 18 March 2026, he pleaded guilty to five of the seven counts. Mr Sherard is due to be sentenced on 29 May 2026. In the meantime, a confiscation investigation is underway to recover losses to Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.

Robust approach

Simon Rosser, Head of Revenues Benefits and Fraud at Reigate & Banstead said: “Reigate & Banstead Borough Council takes a robust and proactive approach to preventing, detecting, and investigating fraud in all its forms. Our Fraud Team works closely with internal services and external partners to ensure public funds are protected and that those who deliberately seek to abuse the system are identified and held to account.

“This case is a clear example of our commitment to uncovering complex benefit fraud and pursuing it through the courts, demonstrating that fraud will not be tolerated within the borough.”