Benefit fraud conviction

A Bromsgrove Resident has been sentenced to a 12 month community order including 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £100 in costs by magistrates after being convicted of benefit fraud.

June Gilhespie, formerly of King George Close and currently of Foxwalks Avenue, Bromsgrove pleaded guilty at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on January 23 2012 to two charges of failing to inform the Department for Work and Pensions and Bromsgrove Council that she was in paid employment whilst she claimed benefits from both organisations.

The court heard that she continued to claim £13,628.57 in housing and council tax benefits from Bromsgrove District Council and £7,000 in Incapacity Benefit from The Department for Work and Pensions over a two year period from November 2009.

She was sentenced by the magistrates to a 12 month community order including 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £100 in costs. The overpaid benefits will be recovered.

A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson said: “We are constantly advising benefit recipients to report their true circumstances as soon as any changes occur. Bromsgrove District Council is committed to ensuring that taxpayers’ money is protected, and will as a result, prosecute and publicise cases where the benefits system has been seriously abused.

“Working in partnership with the Department for Work and pensions ensures that the full value of benefit fraud is highlighted and dealt with accordingly.”

Anyone aware of benefit fraud should call 01527 881221 to report it, or fill out the online fraud report form at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/fraud. Alternatively the details can be emailed to fraud@bromsgrove.gov.uk.