Benefit theft in East Grinstead

A woman from East Grinstead has been prosecuted and sentenced after fraudulently claiming over £11,500 of allowances from Jobcentre Plus and nearly £800 of Housing and Council Tax Benefit from Mid Sussex District Council.

Cassandra MacCallum claimed benefits from Jobcentre Plus and Mid Sussex District Council on the basis that she was unemployed. However, Ms MacCallum, 47, worked as a cleaner and later as a shop worker between January 2005 and March 2008. Ms MacCallum neglected to inform Jobcentre Plus or Mid Sussex District Council of this employment and, as a result, was overpaid £11,637 of Income Support, £609 of Housing Benefit and £187 in Council Tax Benefit.

Ms MacCallum pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 4 February 2011 and was sentenced at Hove Crown Court on Thursday 3 March. She was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to undergo supervision by a probation officer for one year. Ms MacCallum is also required to pay back all of the overpaid benefit. Yes, yes.

• 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.