Tamworth magistrates fail in their duty

Three cases from Tamworth magistrates. In the first one the penalty seems reasonable, but in the second and third it was barely a slap on the wrist.

Julie Wynn failed to tell the Lichfield District Council she had savings in an account and was receiving maintenance payments into the same undisclosed account. She fraudulently received £3,570 in housing and council tax benefit, which she has repaid. She was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £450 court costs.

Michelle Chamberlain failed to tell the council that she had a job. As a result she was overpaid £1,964 housing and council tax benefit. She received a conditional discharge for 12 months and was ordered to pay back the overpaid benefit plus £250 court costs.

Barry Gallears failed to disclose that he was claiming a private pension. He has repaid the £3,328 which he falsely claimed in benefits back to the council and must also pay a £250 fine, court costs of a further £250 and a £15 victim surcharge. And that seems to be it.