Broadstairs benefit cheat sentenced
A MOTHER-OF-TWO from Broadstairs has been given a suspended sentence after falsely claiming more than £20,000 in benefits.
Suzannah Lorton, 49, of Swinburne Avenue was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work at Canterbury Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday).
Lorton admitted claiming £21,648 worth of extra child benefits and tax credits while she worked cash-in-hand as a carer.
She got even more taxpayers cash by pretending to live alone when she was actually living with her husband.
Pat Dunn, assistant director of criminal investigation for HM revenue and customes, said: “Tax credits are designed to protect some of the most vulnerable members of society. Anyone who tries to abuse the system is stealing from honest taxpayers who end up footing the bill.
“HMRC will investigate instances of this type of fraud and we would encourage anyone with information relating to tax credit fraud to call the Benefits Anti Fraud Helpline on 0800 854 440.”
2 Comments
by chris langner, sheffield
Friday, February 26 2010, 8:04PM
“Looks like a good result for the woman. I would not mind doing 150 hours soft work for £20,000.”
by linda, Broadstairs
Friday, February 26 2010, 7:06PM
“It's bad enough that this person has cheated the benefits system.However, what about the people who paid her cash- in -hand for care, this guilty woman does not understand the meaning of the word "Care" and i would be very concerned knowing that this person who clearly can not be trusted has worked in my home. It also begs the question, how many more so called carer's are working for cash- in- hand, not paying Tax and Insurance. Probably not trained to cope in an emergency. We all have a responsibility to support our benefit system and not abuse it. Well done to all you professional's who exposed this woman.”