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Chichester woman pleads guilty to benefit fraudIntroductionA Chichester woman who pleaded guilty to charges of benefit fraud has been sentenced to 200 hours community work. Felicity Heriot-Spence (40) of Chichester Drive, Tangmere, failed to declare all of her bank accounts when she first claimed in July 2008. During the period of her claim (July 2008 to April 2011) she also failed to declare wages from seven different employers going into these bank accounts, totalling £34,336.58. Miss Heriot-Spence claimed £16,978.65 in Housing and Council Tax benefits between July 2008 and April 2011 (£15,243.94 in Housing Benefit, and £1,734.71 in Council Tax Benefit). She pleaded guilty to two charges of dishonestly making a false representation in order to obtain benefit. As well as the 200 hours community work, she was also ordered to pay £100 costs. Chichester District Council will now take steps to recover all overpaid benefit from Miss Heriot-Spence. If you suspect anyone of committing benefit fraud you can contact the council's investigation team on a confidential 24 hour fraud hotline number or using the 'benefit fraud' link found under offsite links. Date: 07 February 2012 Reference: 3061 |