Newport mum's £25,000 benefit fraud (From South Wales Argus)

Newport mum's £25,000 benefit fraud

11:20am Wednesday 15th July 2009

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A MOTHER-of-three who falsely claimed almost £25,000 in benefits over eight years after failing to declare she was living with her husband was given a suspended prison sentence yesterday.

Donna Marie Webb was living in Newport's Walford Davis Drive with husband Aron from 2000, but told Newport council twice that she was living alone, the city's magistrates court was told.

As a result she received £21,506.54 in housing benefit, and £3298.57 in council tax benefit that she was not entitled to between 2000 and 2008.

Webb, 30, was sentenced to a 26 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

She had earlier pleaded guilty to two offences of dishonestly making a false statement.

Webb also received 200 hours unpaid work and 12 months supervision order.

Chairman of the bench Desmond Petras said: “There were several opportunities when the change of circumstances should and could have been reported.”

He added because of the situation regarding her three young children - one of whom suffers from learning difficulties - her prison sentence would be suspended.

Jonathan Evans, prosecuting on behalf of the council, said Webb began claiming housing and council tax benefits in 1998.

She later claimed in application forms in 2003 and 2004 for housing and council tax benefits that she was the only adult at her address.

But, following council investigation that began in September 2008, a check by council officers with the Department of Work and Pensions revealed her husband Aron Webb had moved in during March 2000.

His wife has made arrangements to repay the full amount, with monthly repayments of £120 a month for housing benefit and £50 for council tax.

She had since repaid £367.12, Mr Evans said.

Gareth Williams, defending Webb, said when she made the original claim she was not living with her husband.

Despite difficulties in the relationship Aron spent a “vast amount” of time at that address since, he added.

He said the cash was a “small amount paid regularly” rather than in full and there was no suggestion she was living anything other than a normal day to day life.

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