Benefit cheat widow jailed over secret new partner

Friday 31 August 2012

A WIDOW who fraudulently claimed more than £11,000 of benefit by concealing her new relationship from the authorities has been led away in tears to begin a four-and-a-half-month prison sentence.

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Nick Jedrzejewski

Bereaved June Bernard, 49, failed to tell officials at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) she had found a new partner – whom she later married – despite the fact they had lived together for almost two years.

Cupar Sheriff Court heard yesterday that Bernard, of Leuchars, Fife, began claiming widow's benefit after the death of her husband Douglas Young in 1998.But she omitted to notify the DWP she had set up house with the man, named in court as Andrew, in July 2008.The couple wed on June 21 2010, and it was at that point the DWP discovered they had already been living under the same roof. Lisa McCloy, prosecuting, told the court: "The accused had been in receipt of widow's benefit which was payable following the death of her husband."It had been paid since 1998. In 2010 the accused notified the Department for Work and Pensions that she had remarried. The department carried out checks and investigations and it appeared she had been living with her new husband as man and wife, which had an effect on her widow's benefit."Further investigations were carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions and this was confirmed."Her new husband was spoken to and she herself was interviewed and made a full admission."She said the total sum fraudulently received was £11,182.Bernard was originally charged with fraudulently claiming some £33,000 over six years.She pled guilty to failing to give prompt notification to officials at the DWP of a change of circumstance which she knew affected her entitlement to widow's benefit.Defence solicitor David Bell said Bernard had a 22-year-old daughter, no previous convictions and held down "a useful job" which did not involve handling money.He said: "She regrets this, and the money will be repaid quickly."But Sheriff Charlie McNair told Bernard that only prison would be justified in the case.He said: "The sum involved in this was less than that originally libelled but it was still a substantial amount over two years."Benefit fraud is very easy to commit and often very difficult to detect. It must be made plain that benefit fraud of this sort will involve a significant sentence."I do take into account your previous good record and the fact that you are in work."But having regard to the guidelines, I consider there is no appropriate alternative to a custodial sentence."As the 135-day sentence was announced, Bernard burst into tears and turned to look at Andrew, who wept with his head in his hands. She was then handcuffed to a security guard and led to the cells, crying openly.A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing to try to recover the missing money will be held on September 20.Bernard is understood to have lodged notice of her intention to appeal against the stiffness of the sentence.

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Benefit cheat widow jailed over secret new partner

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