Yeovil woman sentenced over benefit fraud

A YEOVIL woman has admitted cashing over £900 of housing benefit cheques that had been issued to a person who used to share the house she lives in.
 
Sam Morten, defending, told the court that his client had cashed the cheques because she was owed money by her former joint tenant. 
 
The litigator for South Somerset District Council pointed out there was a statement which contradicted what the defendant was telling the court and it was a matter between the two parties regarding if any money was owed. The fact remained that the defendant stole the cheques.
 
The Magistrates sentenced the woman to a two-year conditional discharge and the money is being repaid.
 
Cllr Ric Pallister, leader of the council said: “The vast majority of people are paid benefit directly into their bank account and payment by cheque is now very rare.

''It is wrong to cash a cheque that is not payable to you and the Council will take action to recover the money and prosecute those involved.  If you are sent any benefit payment you are not entitled to, you should contact the office immediately.”
 
To tell South Somerset District Council about someone you know or who you believe to be committing benefit fraud, telephone the Investigations Team on 01935 462208 or write to Investigation Section, Freepost RSHR-TEUC-GHBL, South Somerset District Council, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2HT.

Alternatively, you can contact the National Fraud Hotline free on 0800 328 6340 (Textphone 0800 328 6341), or email Benefits.Investigation@southsomerset.gov.uk

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