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Benefit fraudster sent to prison
Published Monday 20th June 11
An Irchester woman has been sentenced to two months in prison for fraudulently claiming more than £24,000 in benefits.
Kim Paterson of Edward Road, Irchester, failed to declare that she was in paid work whilst claiming income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. Wellingborough Council launched a joint investigation with the Department for Work and Pensions after information was received that she was getting money for work. Employment details were obtained from the company she was working for, and Miss Paterson was interviewed under caution by officers at Wellingborough Council. She was later charged to appear at Wellingborough Magistrates Court.
Miss Paterson pleaded guilty to two offences - failing to declare remunerative work whilst claiming income support, and failing to declare remunerative work whilst claiming housing and council tax benefit - and was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment.
Councillor Paul Bell, leader of Wellingborough Council, said: "We take benefit fraud extremely seriously. We have an excellent track record in uncovering fraud and this prosecution should serve as a warning to others who think they can get away with cheating the system. Those who fraudulently claim benefits are putting an additional, unnecessary burden on the taxpayer and we will not tolerate it."
Miss Paterson had claimed £9,958.82 income support, £11,787.28 housing benefit and £2,577.28 council tax benefit, making the total overpaid £24,323.38. Wellingborough Council is currently recovering the full amount of the overpayment.