Order for fraudster (From Redditch Advertiser)

Order for fraudster

11:08am Sunday 2nd March 2008

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A BATCHLEY woman has been sentenced to an 18-month community order for benefit fraud offences.

Clair Wiggins, 35, of Willow Way, previously appeared before Redditch Magistrates on January 16 and pleaded guilty to offences of dishonestly claiming income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit totalling £11,447.37 between August 2005 and July 2006 by failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Redditch Council that she had married.

The hearing was adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report as the magistrates had concerns over the suitability of a community order due to Miss Wiggins' personal circumstances and commitments.

A compensation order was awarded at the request of the council for the outstanding overpaid housing benefit and council tax benefit to be repaid.

Miss Wiggins was ordered to repay this at £260 a month and to pay a further £50 towards the prosecution costs.

A Redditch Council spokesman said: "This case again shows the consequences of dishonestly claiming benefit in any circumstances.

"Jointly investigating appropriate cases with the DWP ensures that the full extent of offences are brought before the court."

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