A mother-of-two has become the 10th person prosecuted for by Elmbridge Council for benefit fraud since April.
Sarah Louise Stayton-Davies, from Upper Farm Road, West Molesey, was sentenced at Staines Magistrates’ Court on September 14 to a two-year conditional discharge and was ordered to make pay £800 in costs.
She was found guilty of failing to notify the council of changes in her circumstances, namely an award of tax credits, which increased her income by £300 per week, and three changes of employer.
As a result, she was overpaid £3,044.90 in benefits between February 11 last year and December 1.
Councillor John O’Reilly said: “If you thieve, we will get you. That’s the simple message to those who seek to defraud the council in this way.”
If you suspect someone of benefit fraud, call 01372 474291, in confidence, or email benefitfraud@elmbridge.gov.uk.
Get crime statistics for your area at elmbridgeguardian.co.uk/li
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