Benefits cheat sentenced over £4,000 fraud

Posted On : 21 February 2012 @ 10:44

40-year-old Donna Clews, pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday 15 February to two offences of failing to declare changes in her circumstances she knew would affect her entitlement to benefits.

Between April 2010 and December 2010, she fraudulently obtained £2,215.95 in Income Support, £1,588.66 Housing Benefit, and £438.61 Council Tax benefit, totalling £4,243.22, which will also have to be repaid.

Clews, of Forester Street, claimed the benefits on the grounds that she lived alone with her children in a privately rented property. She failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions or Gedling Borough Council that her partner had moved into her address in April 2010.

She was sentenced to a 3 month Community Order with a 6 week curfew (electronically monitored) between the hours of 8pm and 7am daily. She was also ordered to pay £200 towards the prosecution costs, and a £15 victim surcharge.

John Clarke, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Performance and Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said:

I hope this case sends out a clear message that if you are claiming benefits you must inform us of any changes in your circumstances.