Cerianne Abbott had previously admitted two offences of dishonestly making false representations to both Cheshire West and Cheshire Council and the DWP, and two offences of dishonestly failing to promptly notify Cheshire West and Chester Council of a change in her circumstances that she knew would affect her entitlement benefits, namely that she was living with her husband.
Mrs Abbott was sentenced to 80 hours Community Punishment Order to be carried out within 12 months of sentencing and is required to fully repay the overpaid benefit to Cheshire West and Chester Council and the DWP.
- This case is sadly all too common. The sentence is routine too. This woman calmly stole over £23,000, so what are the chances of her promptly repaying us?
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.
Benefit thieves 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.
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