Fraud woman fined
A WOMAN has been prosecuted for benefit fraud. Investigations carried out by Stevenage Borough Council s anti-fraud staff revealed that Shelley Bone, of Kimbolton Crescent, Stevenage, did not tell the council of a change of circumstances affecting her hou
A WOMAN has been prosecuted for benefit fraud.
Investigations carried out by Stevenage Borough Council's anti-fraud staff revealed that Shelley Bone, of Kimbolton Crescent, Stevenage, did not tell the council of a change of circumstances affecting her housing benefit and council tax benefit entitlement.
As a result Bone was paid £2,233.92 that she was not entitled to.
Bone pleaded guilty at Stevenage Magistrates' Court to charges under the Social Security Administration Act 1992 and was sentenced last Wednesday.
The court took into consideration that she was 18 years old when the offence was committed and also her early guilty plea.
Bone was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay the money back plus £200 in legal costs.
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Scott Crudgington, the council's assistant chief executive for finance, said: "Claiming council tax and housing benefits you are not entitled to is a serious offence and these prosecutions are a clear message to residents that we will not tolerate fraudulent activity.
