Suspended prison sentence for Shirebrook benefit cheat

The second Shirebrook woman in as many weeks has been found guilty of cheating the benefits system – and handed a suspended prison sentence.
 
Ms Elizabeth Smedley (42), of Laurel Close, Shirebrook, pleaded guilty in Derby Crown Court under Section 111 of the Social Security Act 1992, to claiming almost £12,400 in benefits as a single parent whilst failing to declare her employed partner had been living with her. 

She was given a 4 months suspended prison sentence, a Community Order to undertake 180 hours unpaid work over the next 12 months, a two month Curfew and ordered to pay £500 costs, also over the next 12 months.
 
The joint investigation by Bolsover District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions also resulted in Ms Smedley having to repay the Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support overpaid to her between September 2006 and January 2009.

A Council spokesperson said, “This was not just some oversight by the defendant, as they had continued to claim benefit they were not entitled to over two-and-a-half period. This latest case proves that we are winning our battle against benefit cheats. You may think that you are getting away with it, but sooner or later we will catch you and we will prosecute you.”

A DWP spokesperson said, ""No one should think they can get away with benefit theft. DWP and local authority investigators are working together to track down those guilty of stealing money they are not entitled to, bringing them before the courts and making them face the consequences of their action."

If you know of anyone who you suspect is committing benefit fraud, then please contact us confidentially, on 01246 242444 or email fraud@bolsover.gov.uk or alternatively you can telephone the DWP hotline on 0800 854440, open from 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

Date issued: 22nd November 2010