A Warrington benefit cheat who defrauded the council of £6,354. has been ordered to do 80 hours unpaid community work and pay back the money.
Cheryl Brookes, 30, of Rylock Close, Warrington appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to five charges of benefit fraud.
Brookes was claiming benefits as a lone parent but failed to inform Warrington Borough Council that her husband was living with her.
Brookes falsely claimed Housing Benefit amounting to £6,010 and Council Tax Benefit/Support amounting to £344.
She was also ordered to pay £200 costs and a £60 victim surcharge along with repaying the overpayments in full.
Adrian Webster, the council’s benefits and exchequer services manager, said: “Every day in the UK over 200 benefit thieves are caught – the clear message is – if you commit benefit fraud you will be caught.”
Anyone who suspects someone is fraudulently claiming benefits to which they are not entitled is asked to report it online www.warrington.gov.uk/report, call the council’s confidential benefit fraud hotline on 01925 442282 / 442283 or email [email protected]
Benefit cheat caught and ordered to pay back the money
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
