A local resident has been found guilty of fraud and will be sentenced in May after a successful investigation by the Fraud and Financial Investigation Team at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.

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.”

Nominations for the Reigate and Banstead Volunteer Awards 2026 are now open. We call upon residents, community groups, and voluntary organisations to nominate anyone who deserves recognition.

The annual award scheme, set up over twenty years ago, recognises the unrewarded heroes who do a great amount of valuable work for the borough and its community. It is also meant to show appreciation to volunteers for their selfless service.  The scheme is organised by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council in partnership with Voluntary Action Surrey East (VASE).

Cllr Nick Harrison, Mayor Elect of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead said “For over 20 years now, we have consistently honoured those among us who give willingly and selflessly for the benefit of our communities. Volunteers deserve credit and recognition for everything that they do. If someone has made a difference in your life or your community, this is your chance to tell us about them so we can say thank you. Nominate your heroes so they can receive the recognition they deserve.”

Volunteers can be nominated in five award categories:

• Young Volunteer Award

For volunteers aged between 16 and 25 who have gone above and beyond the standard expectation for their age and who have used their own volunteer experience to inspire others.

• Volunteer Award

For volunteers over the age of 25 years old who have exceeded what would normally be expected of them and demonstrated their outstanding commitment to their role.

• Individual Trustee Award

For those in Chairman, Treasurer or Secretary roles who have shown due diligence, good governance, and commitment for the minimum of a year, providing outstanding support, guidance, and inspiration to respective organisations.

• Volunteer Team Award

For two or more volunteers or trustees who have demonstrated great teamwork, provided support and encouragement for other volunteers, and made a significant and positive impact through working together.

• Long Service Award

For volunteers that have completed a considerable length of voluntary service, 10 years or more.

To qualify, nominees must live and/or volunteer in the borough and not receive any remuneration for their time.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 29 May 2026.

Ray Wilkinson, Chair of Trustees VASE said: “I never cease to be amazed by the commitment of people who are recognised in the Reigate and Banstead Volunteer Awards.  They are always folk who have limited time but seemingly boundless energy and passion for their particular cause.  Volunteering is the glue that keeps our community together and it is right and proper that the most outstanding volunteers receive the recognition they deserve.”

To nominate, please visit our website.

It is the nominator’s responsibility to obtain permission from the nominee to nominate them, and if the nominee is under 18, to obtain permission from their parent or guardian in order to comply with General Data Protection Regulations.

Successful nominees will be invited to a special awards ceremony on 17 July at the Town Hall. If you require further information, please email [email protected]

Alan Thornewill will be “Swanning” down the river in his giant Pedalo. Photo Credit: RNLI.

A man from Crawley Down is hoping to raise £5000 for the RNLI in a most unusual way.

Royal Navy Veteran Alan Thornewill is aiming to travel from the head of the River Thames in Lechlade, Gloucestershire to Teddington Lock in London using a pedalo!

The 126-mile gruelling journey is expected to take 6 days and will include a total of 43 locks as he undertakes the challenge.

If that wasn’t enough, once he reaches dry land, the pedalo’s crew is then going to push the giant swan feature to the annual Army versus Navy rugby match at Twickenham.

Operation Ruby Jack as it’s called happens to coincide with Alan’s 60^th birthday and also marks 40 years since he joined the Royal Navy.

Anyone who would like to donate to his cause can find out more details by clicking on his fundraising page here.

it’s been revealed that night-time safety marshals have been pulled from three major towns in Sussex following Home Office funding cuts.

The towns which include Crawley had marshals patrolling the streets which were run by a private security firm in the evening to help keep people safe after dark.

Chief Inspector Jim Loader from Sussex police said, “Keeping people safe at night remains a priority of the force and officers will continue to provide a proactive, visible presence in the towns affected”.