Babergh Tells Benefit Fraudsters To Think Again

“Getting away with it is not an option, we will find you” is the no-nonsense message being given to benefit cheats by Babergh District Council.  The warning comes after several cases of benefit fraud were heard recently (2^nd December) at Sudbury Magistrates’ Court, resulting in fines and costs amounting to £1,500 being issued.

Lee Morris from First Avenue, Sudbury pleaded guilty to 7 charges of dishonesty after initially having denied that he was related to his landlords from whom he was renting a room and being awarded benefit of £6,850 as a result.  Investigations by Babergh’s Benefit Fraud Team had uncovered that Morris was indeed related to his landlords, as they were his mother and half-brother.  Morris has been bailed to return to Sudbury Magistrates’ Court at 11 am on 9^th January 2006 for a pre-sentence report.   Also involved in the fraud was Morris’s half-brother, David Crouch who pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the making of false statements and was fined £200, with £300 costs to be paid to Babergh District Council.

Tracy Street of Raydon Way Great Cornard, pleaded guilty to 2 offences of failure to notify changes in circumstances.  She was fined £200 with £300 costs.  Tony and Tina Frost of Shotley Close, Pinewood, Ipswich pleaded guilty to a total of 4 charges of false statement, and were each fined £200 (£100 per charge), with costs of  £150.  John Kent of Hoxter Way, Sudbury pleaded guilty to 1 charge of failing to notify of change in circumstances.  Mr Kent was granted 2 years conditional discharge with £150 costs.

“We take benefit fraud very seriously and will prosecute accordingly” said Bob Southgate, Babergh’s Head of Revenues. “People should also remember that it’s not just Babergh that will find you out. Once cases come to court your friends and neighbours will know too. Fraudsters steal money from public funds and they should expect to be held to account in that way ”