Crime Solicitors

A 57-year-old woman from Cumbria has been spared jail after being convicted of a £33,000 benefit fraud.

Local publisher the News and Star reports that Joan Watson of Crakegarth in Dalston made fraudulent claims for income support, housing benefit and council tax between 2011 and 2014.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that Watson had failed to inform both the Department for Work and Pensions and Carlisle City Council that her personal circumstances had changed.

An investigation by DWP and council fraud teams revealed that Watson was living with a man – Gerard Elliot – who was contributing money to the household. Mr Elliot had initially used her home as a postal address while living overseas, the court heard. However, from 2011 they lived together and maintained a joint household.

Watson admitted four charges of fraud and was handed a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

The fraud involved a total benefit overpayment of £33,386.93 – including £17,682.32 in income support, a further £15,704.61 in council tax, and an overpayment in housing benefit to which Watson was not entitled.

The court heard that she had previously been of good character, had pleaded guilty “at the first opportunity” – and was “utterly ashamed” of her behaviour.

Watson was also said to have health problems and relied on a mobility scooter and used sticks to walk over very limited distances.

Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Solicitors

Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving benefit fraud – and can advise before charges are brought, including attending DWP interviews and council fraud interviews.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid criminal defence solicitors.

For expert legal advice on all benefit fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors on 020 7923 4020.