Benefit cheat admits to £4,700 con

Published on 3rd May 2007 in News

A mother of five from Goole has admitted claiming nearly £5,000 in benefits under false pretences.

Cheryl Hawley (27), of Wroots Avenue, appeared in Goole Magistrates' Court last week charged with obtaining benefit by deception.

Tom Spencer, representing the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, told the court that in May 2004, Ms Hawley had made a claim for housing and council tax benefit.

She was told that she must tell the ERYC of any change in circumstances.

However, Mr Spencer said: "On March 1, 2006, the council's fraud investigation unit received information that Cheryl Hawley was residing with her partner."

In an interview, the defendant admitted living with her partner since September 2005.

Mr Spencer said the £4,707 obtained by fraud was not an insignificant amount.

Defending, David Branscombe said that his client had separated from her husband but then attempted a reconciliation.

She claimed the money because she wanted to have her own monies, as her husband used what he earned for his own personal use.

Mr Branscombe said his client accepted that they did not inform the authorities that her husband was working on and off or that he was living with her.

"It was a moment of madness," he said.

He pointed out that the Ms Hawley had already started to pay back the money she owed.

"She is more than willing to continue to pay the amounts she offered voluntarily," said Mr Branscombe.

Magistrates ruled that the case should be adjourned until May 15 for a report to be prepared. Ms Hawley was granted unconditional bail until that date.