Tax credit thief to repay trivial amount

A MOTHER-OF-TWO who was jailed for 12 months after fraudulently claiming more than £38,000 in tax credits has been ordered to repay £417.53 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Asima Faisal, who admitted 18 offences of fraud, benefited from her criminality to the tune of £38,679.27. But her realisable assets are just £417.53. The 27-year-old, from Jubilee Avenue, Etruria, must pay it within seven days or she will serve 12 days in prison.

She was overpaid the money after claiming she cared for 15 children she didn't have. Fourteen of the children's names were fictitious.

Her husband Failsal Mahmood, from whom she has now separated, pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property and was jailed for six months.

The 27-year-old, of Kimberley Road, Etruria, was found to have benefited by £17,000 and was ordered to repay his realisable assets of £16,594.76. He must pay that sum in the next six months or face nine months in prison by default. He was also ordered to pay £1,800 prosecution costs.

htp Dave

Background here

Clearly the best thing to do is to spend it, then you'll be let off.