Lottery millionaire on run over 'benefit fraud'

A lottery millionaire is on the run after allegedly claiming £15,000 in benefits - despite having won £1.5million.

Satish Patel is believed to have claimed income support for three years after scooping a share of a £4.5million jackpot.

The father of two was due to appear at Marylebone magistrates' court on six specimen charges of false declarations but he failed to turn up and police have now issued a warrant.

Patel, 53, who kept his windfall a secret, is alleged to have continued to draw benefit of £117 a week and carried on living in his modest fourthfloor council flat in Ladbroke Grove.

The case against him was brought following an anonymous tip-off.

Patel's family said today they were shocked to hear of the size of his win.

His son, Rakesh, 25, said: "Dad did have a lottery win but he never said it was as much as £1.5million because he never bought me any presents.

"It was never a case of, 'Here you are son. Have a new motor'. I wouldn't say he was tight , just careful when he is spending money.

"He's diabetic and doesn't work. All I know is he doesn't claim benefit any more and pays the rent himself.

"I know he was due in court because a benefits official came round to find out where he was. A letter about the hearing was held up by the postal strike."

Patel and his wife Parvati have lived at the council flat for 15 years.

Relatives say he is currently in India receiving treatment for a skin disorder. Patel, who won £1,507,231 in January 2000, is accused of falsely claiming £15,631. Claimants are only entitled to draw benefits if they have less than £8,000 in savings.

He was charged following a huge clampdown on benefit cheats and faces a maximum three months in jail for each offence.

Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith said: "Benefit fraud hits everybody. Our message to fraudsters is, 'We're onto you'."