Jail sentence for woman’s £74,000 benefit fraud

Dec 23 2009 by Beverley Pearson, The Journal

A WOMAN has been handed a suspended prison sentence for dishonestly claiming more than £74,000 in benefits.

Janet Anne Dodds pocketed large sums in income support and housing and council tax benefits before her fraud was uncovered by investigators.

Dodds, of Pont Street, Ashington, dishonestly claimed a total of £74,311 by failing to tell the Department of Work and Pensions that her partner was living with her, and that his earnings would affect her entitlement to the benefits.

She was prosecuted by Northumberland County Council’s anti-fraud team after her offences were uncovered in a joint investigation by the authority and the DWP.

Dodds, who admitted six offences of dishonestly claiming benefits, will have to repay the full £74,000 to the county council.

At Newcastle Crown Court she was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to do 200 hours’ unpaid work.

Yesterday Coun Andrew Tebbutt, county council executive member for corporate resources, said: “People who abuse the benefit system deprive others who are truly in need and we will not tolerate it.

“If you are receiving benefits, and your circumstances have changed, then you should notify the council straight away. Benefit fraud is a serious matter. It takes resources away from genuine claimants and puts a heavy financial burden on taxpayers.

“We are committed to detecting and preventing benefit fraud, and our skilled and experienced fraud team will pursue offenders until they are brought to justice.”

Suspected benefit fraud can be reported by contacting the council anonymously on 01670 363333.