Pensioner's calculated benefit fraud

A chaperone for child stars of the Harry Potter films has been jailed for six months after admitting a £51,462 benefit fraud.

Deidre Irwin worked on three of the blockbusters – including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – as well as being a television and film extra and an exam invigilator in Epsom for Surrey County Council.

But the pensioner had told authorities she was unable to work, raking in undue incapacity and housing benefits over eight years.

Andrew Davies, prosecuting, told the court Irwin claimed the benefits in her married name but worked under her maiden name, Kelly, and used a fake national insurance number.

Police raided her then home in Hawthorne Place, Epsom, in September 2006, Mr Davies added, and found documentation addressed to various names and relating to various jobs. She was then arrested.

“[Irwin] told police officers at her interview she was worried she would not get much work and would lose out financially if she told the authorities she was working,” he added.

“The prosecution accepts she [Irwin] had health problems, but it is clear that they did not in fact prevent her from working.”

Sentencing Irwin, Recorder Stephen Hofmeyr said: “The offences are properly treated by the courts as matters of great seriousness. I bear in mind, however, that your crime is not violence or sexual in nature.

“You are clearly sorry for what you have done and made full and frank admissions to the police and pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity.”

He added: “In my opinion, however, your offence is so serious that neither a fine nor a community penalty can be justified.”

Irwin, who sat sobbing in the dock, was given two concurrent six-month sentences for obtaining property by deception and falsely claiming benefits.

As she was taken down into the cells, she told the judge: “I am really sorry for what I did.”

She is currently paying back the authorities at a rate of £16.78 per week, a repayment period of 59 years! She faces a separate confiscation hearing - but not until September 11.

htp Dave