'Scrounger' claimed more than £30,000
A WOMAN who received a suspended prison sentence after fraudulently claiming more than £30,000 in benefits was labelled a 'scrounger' by the judge.
Anne Cormello, 53, of Seaside, was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment suspended for two years on condition she complies with a five-month curfew order at her home address between the hours of 7pm and 7am.
Cormello claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for herself and partner, but failed to notify the authorities that her partner had been working since June 2000.
As a result she was overpaid Income Support amounting to 6,819.16 and Housing and Council Tax Benefits amounting to 24,516.52, all of which she will have to repay.
She was also ordered to pay costs amounting to 600.
Cormello pleaded guilty to five charges at Lewes Crown Court on March 11.
Two of the charges were for dishonestly making false representation for the purposes of obtaining benefit and three charges under the Theft Act.
The judge, whilst giving Mrs Cormello credit for her guilty plea, said she had 'committed a disgraceful act and in the opinion of the court she was nothing but a scrounger'.
The case was investigated by Eastbourne Borough Council and the Department for Work & Pensions.
Members of the public who wish to report fraud can leave information on the Benefit Fraud Hotline by calling 0800 7317039.
This number is staffed by investigations officers during office hours and an answering service out of these hours.
Alternatively, log on to Eastbourne Borough Council's website at www.eastbourne.gov.uk/benefitfraud for more information.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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