A benefits cheat who continued to claim from the state even though she’d moved home and wasn’t entitled to the money has been put under curfew.
Sarah Boxall failed to tell Aylesbury Vale District Council that she had moved to Bedhampton Road, Portsmouth and continued to claim a total of £5,670 of housing benefit she wasn’t entitled to.
The 45 year old had been receiving housing benefit payments to help her to meet the cost of renting her home in Vincent Road, Aylesbury.
Boxall failed to tell the council that she had moved out of her rented property and continued to pocket the ongoing housing benefit payments for a further six months.
She also fraudulently claimed £166 of council tax benefit.
An investigation was launched by the council’s fraud investigation team who proved that Boxall had moved out of her rented property in January 2013.
In court, she admitted two counts of fraud by failing to disclose information.
Magistrates sentenced her to a four month curfew and ordered her to pay costs of £450 and a £60 victim surcharge.
Councillor Neil Blake, leader of the council, said: “Mrs Boxall committed a deliberate and dishonest offence against the council’s housing and council tax benefit scheme.
“As a result of her actions, Mrs Boxall has been caught, prosecuted and now has a criminal conviction for fraud.
“When claiming benefits, a customer’s obligations are simple; tell the truth and tell us about changes. If you suspect that someone is cheating the benefits system, tell us so that we can do something about it.”
Information about anyone who is claiming benefits that they are not entitled to can be reported to AVDC by calling 01296 585570 or emailing benefitfraud@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk