Light sentences for Herts benefit thieves

Three benefit fraudsters have been prosecuted following false claims to East Herts District Council.

Jonathon Edwards, from Bishop’s Stortford, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud at Hertford Magistrates’ Court after claiming council tax benefit of £457.60. He failed to let the council know that he was no longer receiving income support award and was in paid work.

A warrant was issued for Edwards’ arrest after he missed three court dates. Once he finally appeared, he was ordered to re-pay the full amount claimed, in addition to £350 costs while serving a 12- month conditional discharge.

That's right, give them a deterrent sentence.

Robert Hooper also failed to attend his court date and three interviews under caution. After a warrant was issued for his arrest, he was prosecuted at Hatfield Remand Court. Hooper, 50, formerly from Bishop’s Stortford, was fined £150 and ordered to contribute £900 towards prosecution costs plus a £15 victim surcharge over housing benefit of £2,278.38 and council tax benefit of £308.12. He had failed to let the council know that, along with his wife, he was receiving income from occupational pensions. He must repay the full amount claimed.

Michelle Holdstock, from Sawbridgeworth, was overpaid housing benefit of £2,706.41 and council tax benefit of £842.21 after she failed to let the council know she was receiving tax credits and increased wages from her job at Halfords. In addition to re-paying the full amount, Hertford Magistrates’ Court fined her £115 and ordered her to pay £250 towards prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

• 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.