Nigel Hargrave and his wife Diane separated in 1992, later reconciled, but then pretended to be living apart in order to be able to claim a number of benefits. They lived apart to appear separated but went on to have their second and third children together in 1999 and 2001.
Mrs Hargrave was given a single person discount on council tax by Daventry District Council as it was thought she was living alone, despite being supported by her husband, and received severe disability living allowance, which she would not be entitled to with a partner.
Diane Hargrave pleaded guilty to evading liability to pay council tax by deception and cheating the public purse. She was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision and six months of evening house arrest with a 7pm to 7am curfew from Monday to Friday.
Mr Hargrave, who admitted cheating the public purse and aiding and abetting his wife's deception, was also given 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 12 months' supervision and must do 300 hours community service.
They now face selling his home to pay a potential £45,000 confiscation order and £3,000 costs.
- The paper reports that "Anti Fraud Minister" Tony McNulty said: "Benefit thieves have to understand that they will not get away with it.
"Working together with local authorities and the police we have a strong range of powers to investigate and with the support of the public we bring benefit thieves to justice.
"When people commit benefit theft, they face imprisonment, fines and other penalties. We will also make sure they pay back the money they have stolen from the taxpayer and seek to ensure any proceeds from their crime are confiscated too."
Mr McNulty, of course, fraudulently claimed expenses for the house where his parents live.
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