No prison for £62k benefit fraud

A benefit fraudster who dishonestly claimed over £62,000 worth of taxpayers money over three years has received a 40 week custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to completed 180 hours of unpaid work.

Andrea Kingdon from Lee Chapel North had pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances.

As well as a suspended custodial sentence and community payback, Ms Kingdon was handed a Supervision Order for a year, a Basic Skills Assessment and has been ordered to repay what she had stolen.

Councillor Turner, Basildon cabinet member for resources,said:

I am pleased to learn the judge on this particular occasion emphasised the importance of accepting due punishment. However, I maintain my support for tougher sentences.

Fraudsters need to learn that it’s not if we catch them but when, and when we do, they will be prosecuted.

I hope the Courts will continue to support my calls to ensure people who defraud honest taxpayers are forced to face the consequences of their actions.

• But there's no real punishment element here at all.
  
  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 should 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.