Shropshire Star

Telford fraudster 'still in financial difficulties'

A mother who falsely claimed nearly £14,000 in benefits over two-and-a-half years is still in financial difficulties, a court heard.

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Magistrates told Pauline Ann Hollyhead that she had to sort out her finances after hearing how she claimed £13,962 in job seekers allowance, housing benefit, income support and council tax between April 30, 2011 and November 13, 2013.

Hollyhead admitted seven charges related to benefit fraud including making false representations, failing to disclose information, and dishonesty when she appeared at Telford Magistrates Court.

Mr Mike Phillips, prosecuting said Hollyhead had failed in her obligations to notify the Department of Work and Pensions that she had been living with her partner who was in full-time employment in Shrewsbury.

Magistrates were told that she had struggled to care for her son who was born with spina bifida and she was still in financial difficulties.

Mr Phillips said the 52-year-old received the money through automated transfers to her bank account.

Magistrates were told that the money was gradually being recovered and there was no claim for compensation.

Hollyhead, of Stanwyck, Sutton Hill, Telford was given a 12-month community order with a requirement to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £85 costs.

For Hollyhead, Mr Mike Surzyn said the defendant was now in permanent work as a packer in a factory.

Magistrates told Hollyhead that she was going to have to sort her finances out.

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