26 May 2010

Tamworth benefit thief sentenced

Angela Cartier, from Wilnecote, failed to declare that she was in paid employment from December 10, 2007. This resulted in her illegally claiming more than £3,500 in housing and council tax benefit.

According to a council spokesman, despite three invites from the council to discuss the issue under caution, Cartier failed to attend. As a result prosecution went ahead without Cartier being interviewed.

She attended Tamworth Magistrates Court on May 12 and was given a 12-month community supervision order which includes 60 hours of unpaid work and a 12-month supervision order to attend appointments with the Probation Service.

She was ordered to repay the full overpayment and court costs of £250.

Councillor Robert Pritchard said: "Benefit fraud is a serious crime and we will prosecute offenders".

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