Trivial sentences for single person frauds

Kerry Brown, from Langwith, has admitted failing to declare she was living with the father of her children, who was in full time employment, while she claimed over £4,300 in Income Support and Housing and Council Tax Benefit as a lone parent. She was fined a piffling £200 with an additional £100 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge, and was told to repay the benefits.

Susan Corringham, from Immingham, had been living with her husband, but she failed to tell the authorities. He moved out, but later she failed to declare that he had moved back in again. She was overpaid £21,341 in housing benefit, council tax benefit and Income Support, between February 2005 and September 2008. The housing benefit overpaid is being taken from her current benefit! She was given a two-month suspended prison sentence. The judge told her that, it were not for her ill-health, she would have been sent to prison because of the amount of the overpayment.

Nicola Bratby from Rochdale admitted that she had failed to notify changes in her circumstances when her income increased after changing jobs and after the relationship with her partner resumed after a period of separation. She admitted falsely claiming £2,804 in housing benefit and £361 of council tax benefits. She was just fined £200 and ordered to pay £300 costs.

• With such trivial sentences, why do the authorities even bother?
  
  These thieves 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 go to prison 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. Some local authorities think benefit fraud costs each household £80-£100 a year. It's probably nearer £150-£175.