Julie Drury, from Orpington, was given a 12 month community order and a three month curfew after pleading guilty to two counts of benefit fraud at Croydon Crown Court. Despite the paper's write up, there was never any prospect of her being sent top prison. It seems she didn't even get community service.
During the hearing on October 11, the court heard the 52-year-old had claimed benefits as a lone parent between February 2002 and October last year despite living with her husband.
Drury claimed a total of £28,788 in housing and council tax benefits from Bromley Council, and £23,251 in income support from the Department of Work and Pensions.
Bromley Council was alerted to the fraud after an anonymous tip-off, and is now trying to recover the £28,788 Drury falsely claimed.
- 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.
Everyone convicted of benefit fraud who doesn'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.
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