Date: 13/11/2007
A Dove Holes woman, who repeatedly failed to appear in court for benefit fraud offences, was ordered to pay costs of £706, as well as getting an 18-month conditional discharge sentence.
Sharon Robinson of Hallsteads, Dove Holes was also ordered to repay £1828 Housing Benefit and £256.85 Council Tax Benefit, when she appeared at Chesterfield Magistrates Court on 8 November 2007.
High Peak Magistrates had found Robinson guilty in her absence on 28 September 2007. They also issued a warrant for her arrest because she had failed to appear at court on three occasions. This prompted her to surrender herself to the police.
Robinson, who was living at Manchester Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith at the time of the offences, failed to declare a change in her circumstances when she started work for Wearnes Cambion in Castleton.
The offences were discovered when the Council's fraud team matched their data with the Inland Revenue's records. Robinson was overpaid Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit between 2 October 2006 and 4 March 2007.
Emily Thrane, Executive Member for Corporate Services, said: "If you get Housing and Council Tax Benefits the law says that you must tell the Council about any change in your circumstances. If you don't you will be found out and very likely find yourself in court."
From April to the end of October 2007 the Council's fraud team has identified overpayments totalling £78,421. In addition, 39 people have been sanctioned or prosecuted.
If you know anybody who is claiming Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit falsely, you can phone High Peak Borough Council's dedicated fraud hotline on 01298 28433. You do not have to leave your name.