Julie Watkins, of Campbell Street, Rugby, was finally arrested under
warrant on 26 November and taken to Leamington Magistrates Court, where
she pleaded guilty to making a false statement in order to claim
benefits.
Miss Watkins fraudulently claimed a total of £40,849 between April 2009
and March 2013 - £26,989 in housing benefit, £13,090 in income support
and £768 in council tax benefit.
The 39-year-old applied for the benefits on the basis she had separated from her partner and was a single parent.
But Rugby Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions
launched a joint investigation into her benefit claims after receiving a
tip-off she was living with her partner.
When questioned, Watkins said her partner visited her home daily to see the children, but insisted he never stayed overnight.
She claimed she was unaware her partner's wages were paid into her bank account, and denied he supported her financially.
However, when her partner was questioned he admitted he had been in a
continuous relationship with Watkins since 2009 and shared the same
address.
He said he was unaware Watkins had been claiming benefits, and only
became aware when she asked him to leave the family home in April 2013
after admitting to him an investigation had been launched into her
benefit claims.
Magistrates sentenced Watkins to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 24
months. She was also given a 24 month supervision order with a
requirement to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to
pay an £80 victim surcharge.
Watkins must repay the fraudulently claimed income support to the
Department for Work and Pensions, and the fraudulently claimed housing
and council tax benefits to Rugby Borough Council.
Speaking after the hearing, Cllr Leigh Hunt, Rugby Borough Council
portfolio holder for sustainable inclusive communities, said: "This
prosecution was a great result of partnership working between the
council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
"Anyone who cheats the benefits system must realise they are breaking the law and be aware there is a heavy price to pay.
"The sentence in this case sends a clear message to anyone who thinks
they can get away with fraudulently claiming benefits - we will catch
you and take you to court."
To report suspected benefit fraud, call the council in strictest
confidence on (01788) 533460 or email
benefits.unit@rugby.gov.uk
For advice on benefit claims, and how your circumstances affect your
benefits, call the council's benefits team on (01788) 533433.
