Fraudster’s daughter not disabled

Dec 15 2007 by Chloe Griffiths, The Journal

A MOTHER pretended her daughter was disabled and blind to steal more than £30,000 in benefits.

Lesley Russell told the authorities she was a single mother who was looking after her disabled daughter alone in order to get additional tax credits.

But in fact the 49-year-old lived with her partner and her child was healthy.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Russell, of Willow Crescent in Blyth, Northumberland, was sentenced to nine months in prison suspended for one year.

She was also ordered to do 150 hours’ unpaid work.

She had already pleaded guilty to being knowingly concerned in fraudulent activity undertaken with a view to obtaining payments of tax credit at a hearing at the court on October 30.

The mother had admitted dishonestly filling in an application for benefits and failing to disclose details of her partner, his employment and income. The court heard how Russell had submitted an application for benefits on September 16, 2002, when she claimed to be single and a full-time carer for a child who was registered blind and disabled.

In reality, neither claim was true.

In total, she managed to falsely claim £30,210.40 that she was not entitled to.

She will now have to re-pay the money in instalments.

HM Revenue and Customs senior investigator Jo Tyler said: “We are pleased the courts have recognised the seriousness of this case.

“Tax Credit fraud is a serious crime and we will take stringent action against those cheating the nation of public funds.”