A BENEFITS cheat from Ellesmere Port has been sentenced for illegally claiming more than £19,000 in benefits.
Anne Wainwright, 60, of Atherton Road, Ellesmere Port, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 21, where she pleaded guilty to five offences of failing to promptly declare changes in her circumstances which she knew would affect her entitlement to housing benefit, council tax benefit, incapacity benefit and employment support allowance.
She was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and given a curfew preventing her from leaving the house between the hours of 7pm and 7am until April 17. She was also ordered to pay costs of £50.
Anne Wainwright failed to declare to Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Department for Work and Pensions that she was in employment and was overpaid benefit totalling £19,539.66.
Anne Wainwright is required to fully repay the money to Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
If you think someone you know is claiming benefit that they are not entitled to, then you can report your suspicious by ringing 0300 123 7030 or via the council website www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
You can also email your suspicions to fraud@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk and all information received will be treated in confidence.
