A Gateshead woman who illegally claimed almost £26,000 of benefits has been handed a suspended sentence at Gateshead Magistrates Court.
Lorna Nield, 56, of Ennerdale, Gateshead continued to claim housing benefit and council tax benefit totalling £25,983.36 despite working since 2006.
Benefits fraud investigators uncovered the case after an anonymous tip off that Ms Nield had been working whilst allowing payment of housing benefit, council tax benefits and income support to continue.
Ms Nield pleaded guilty to failing to notify changes in circumstances and admitted that she had found herself in debt after becoming the victim of a loan shark.
Ms Nield was handed an eight week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay costs of £100. She will also be made to repay all of the falsely claimed benefits.
Derek Coates, director of finance at Gateshead Council, said: “This is another example of someone who has been caught deliberately committing fraud by claiming benefits that they are not entitled to. Gateshead Council and our partner agencies use a range of measures to find these people and once identified, take all the necessary steps to ensure that action is taken against them through the courts”
Anyone with good reason to suspect that a benefit fraud is being committed in Gateshead can provide details, anonymously if necessary, by ringing 0191-433 3748/3352 or by calling Gateshead Council’s 24 hour confidential hotline on 0191 433 3657 and by e-mail to fraudinvestigations@gateshead.gov.uk.