Light benefit fraud sentences at Leyland

Julia Rourke, also known as Julia Hill, failed to tell South Ribble Borough Council or the DWP about her job and went on to claim £6,075 in benefits illegally. She was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £150 in costs, along with the entire amount she illegally claimed.

A second Leyland woman kept her job a secret so she could carry on claiming benefits. Joanne McGrath failed to tell South Ribble Borough Council or the DWP that she was working, and went on to claim £2,694 that she was not entitled to. She was fined £195. She must also repay the cash she illegally claimed along with a £15 victim surcharge.

• Explain the deterrent here?
  
  People convicted of benefit fraud who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work.
  
  Benefit thieves should also have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.
  
  Steal benefit at Leyland and get away with it.

htp Dave