Found guilty of benefit fraud

A woman from Knowsley who falsely claimed £31,000 in benefits has today (Thursday 18 February 2010) been handed a suspended jail term and ordered to carry out community service.

The prosecution of Linda Naylor follows an investigation by Knowsley Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The 46 year old, of Heathfield Drive in Kirkby, pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to declare a change in circumstances that she knew would affect her benefit entitlement.

She had been claiming housing and council tax benefit and income support since 2000 on the basis that she was a lone parent with two dependant children.

However, her partner had been paying maintenance since 2006.

At Liverpool Crown Court, Linda Naylor was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for 12 months, and 150 hours community work.

A spokesperson for Knowsley Council said: “It is unacceptable for people to claim benefits fraudulently and we will simply not tolerate it in Knowsley.

“We work very closely with the DWP to investigate allegations of benefit fraud and place cheats before the courts.

“It is not fair for honest residents to see money going into the pockets of cheats rather than into facilities and services the whole community can benefit from.

“Genuine claimants should always let us know at the earliest opportunity if their circumstances change.”