South Norwood woman sentenced for benefit fraud (From Wimbledon Guardian)

South Norwood woman sentenced for benefit fraud

4:40pm Friday 25th April 2008

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A 37-year-old South Norwood woman has been ordered to pay £24,000 after being found guilty of benefit fraud.

Tracey Goddard of Regina Road had pleaded not guilty to dishonestly obtaining housing and council tax benefit at a five day trial at Croydon Crown Court.

“This case provides yet another example of the consequences of committing benefit fraud. You may think you will get away with it but the truth of the matter is, we will find you out."

Councillor Gavin Barwell

But a jury found her guilty of dishonestly claiming benefits on the basis of being a single parent between 2002 and 2005 when she was in fact living with her partner Eric Johnson.

Croydon Council was alerted to £11,287.62 fraud by an anonymous tip-off.

Goddard was sentenced on Wednesday to nine months in jail, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to pay £24,000 in costs.

Councillor Gavin Barwell, cabinet member for resources and customer services, said: "This case provides yet another example of the consequences of committing benefit fraud. You may think you will get away with it but the truth of the matter is, we will find you out.

"Not only will you have to pay back every penny but you could go to prison. It really isn't worth the risk."

Anyone wishing to report a fraud should call the freephone Fraud Line number on 0800 328 9270. Those calling the 24-hour line can do so anonymously.

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