Wendy Brown, 65 has been handed a suspended prison sentence after she continued claiming benefits illegally, after failing to declare a change in her circumstances when she inherited a large sum of money.
The deception began in May 2015 and continued until 2019, in which time Brown claimed over £13,600 in benefits.
The case was heard at Leeds Crown Court, and it was revealed by the prosecution that Brown received two payments. One of £134,940 and a separate one of £10,981 following the death of a loved one.
During the case, the prosecutor said:
“It appears that this was from a partnership which had not been disclosed.
“When she received this money she did not inform the authorities of the inheritance.”
Brown revealed during her police interview that the inheritance was left by her best friend.
She pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonesty obtaining benefit by failing to notify a change in circumstances.
Probation officer Mick Berry said Brown displayed a lack of understanding and continued to deny the offending during interview.
Describing the offending, Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said:
“It was pure greed.”
Judge Marson gave Brown a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, but warned her that she would be made the subject of a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to recover the illegally claimed money.
He said:
“The public are going to get their money back from you, you can be assured of that.”
