Following an investigation by the Child Support Agency (CSA), a man who changed his name in a bid to escape child support payments has been fined by Salisbury Magistrates Court.
 
Roebyn Tusk, 56 formerly known as Robert Kerr was handed a fine of more than £1,000 after the court heard how Mr Tusk has repeatedly evaded attempts by the CSA to contact him regarding his support for his three children. The CSA Compliance Inspector, Wendy Mark, told the court that Mr Tusk had denied ever changing his name or even having knowledge of his children.

The trail unravelled when Ms Mark contacted the DVLA who were able to confirm that the person residing at Mr Tusk’s address had applied for his name to be changed from Kerr to Tusk on his driving licence. In addition, Ms Mark also obtained a marriage licence to a second wife that revealed Mr Tusk’s father’s surname as Kerr.

Mr Tusk’s matter is a timely reminder that it is essential that the CSA is kept informed of any changes in personal details. Given the large amount of personal information now kept on file by all manner of agencies and organisations this case also demonstrates how difficult it is to evade the CSA.