Benefit cheat ordered to wear electronic tag
Benefit cheat ordered to wear electronic tag
A RUGBY mother who fraudulently claimed more than £9,000 in benefits has been ordered to wear an electronic tag.
08 December 2014
Leah Rosser, of New Street, must wear the tag for a fortnight while she remains subject to a curfew imposed by magistrates.
The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming £9,182 in benefits after failing to tell Rugby Borough Council about a change in her circumstances.
The council launched an investigation into Rosser's benefit claims in January when it emerged she had been claiming Tax Credits since August 2012.
Rosser, who was also claiming housing and council tax benefits, failed to tell the council she was receiving Tax Credits - despite informing the council of changes in her circumstances on previous occasions.
As a result, she fraudulently claimed £8,564 in housing benefit from August 2012 to February 2014, and £617 in council tax benefit from August 2012 to March 2013.
Rosser's case was heard in her absence at Nuneaton Magistrates Court in November, and she appeared at court for sentencing on 1 December.
She was given a 12 month supervision order with a requirement to serve a 14 day curfew between the hours of 8pm and 7am.
She was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.
All the fraudulently claimed benefits must be repaid to the council.
Speaking after the hearing, Cllr Leigh Hunt, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for sustainable inclusive communities, said: "We're determined to crackdown on benefit fraud in Rugby and we investigate all cases reported to us.
"We have no hesitation in prosecuting those who cheat the system, and this case shows the courts take an equally dim view of benefit fraud.
"I'd urge anyone who has concerns over how their circumstances affect their benefit claim to contact the council for help.
"It's better to act now rather than risk having a criminal record."
For advice on benefit claims, call the council's benefits team on (01788) 533433.
To report suspected cases of benefit fraud, call the council in strictest confidence on (01788) 533460 or email benefits.unit@rugby.gov.uk
The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming £9,182 in benefits after failing to tell Rugby Borough Council about a change in her circumstances.
The council launched an investigation into Rosser's benefit claims in January when it emerged she had been claiming Tax Credits since August 2012.
Rosser, who was also claiming housing and council tax benefits, failed to tell the council she was receiving Tax Credits - despite informing the council of changes in her circumstances on previous occasions.
As a result, she fraudulently claimed £8,564 in housing benefit from August 2012 to February 2014, and £617 in council tax benefit from August 2012 to March 2013.
Rosser's case was heard in her absence at Nuneaton Magistrates Court in November, and she appeared at court for sentencing on 1 December.
She was given a 12 month supervision order with a requirement to serve a 14 day curfew between the hours of 8pm and 7am.
She was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.
All the fraudulently claimed benefits must be repaid to the council.
Speaking after the hearing, Cllr Leigh Hunt, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for sustainable inclusive communities, said: "We're determined to crackdown on benefit fraud in Rugby and we investigate all cases reported to us.
"We have no hesitation in prosecuting those who cheat the system, and this case shows the courts take an equally dim view of benefit fraud.
"I'd urge anyone who has concerns over how their circumstances affect their benefit claim to contact the council for help.
"It's better to act now rather than risk having a criminal record."
For advice on benefit claims, call the council's benefits team on (01788) 533433.
To report suspected cases of benefit fraud, call the council in strictest confidence on (01788) 533460 or email benefits.unit@rugby.gov.uk