£22k benefit thief gets off

Helen Gallagher, from Gravesend, who illegally claimed £22,251 between August 2005 and June 2009, has been sentenced to 120 days in jail, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay the money back. And that's it.

She had failed to tell Gravesham Council she was renting her home from the father of her child, which would have disqualified her from receiving housing benefit.

Gallagher was caught after an anonymous tip-off to the council’s benefit cheat hotline.

• These people do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
  
  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. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
  
  If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.
  
  Theresa May, please note. Taxpayers lose around £3.5bn a year to benefit fraud.