Three benefit fraudsters have been sentenced after stealing more than £20,000 from taxpayers.

Jacqueline Rayne, formerly of Nash Close, Sutton, Natasha O’Callaghan of Park Road, Wallington, and Daniel Taylor of Cleeve Way, Sutton, all pleaded guilty to a variety of offences on August 6 and 7 at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court.

In one case a claim was submitted in relation to a fake tenancy agreement while another saw more than £15,000 swindled from council funds.

Jacqueline Rayne admitting to two charges of benefit fraud over undeclared work and providing a false tenancy agreement.

Overpayment was £1006.50 of Income Support. The claim for her new address was never actually paid as it was based on a fake tenancy agreement that was supplied but the council prosecuted her for attempted fraud.

Natasha O’Callaghan was sentenced on Wednesday August 7 after admitting three charges of benefit fraud after failing to declare that she had her partner residing with her.

Overpayment was for £9,298.03 in Housing Benefit, £1,369.37 in Council Tax Benefit and £4,999.07 in Income Support.

Daniel Taylor admitted two charges of benefit fraud regarding undeclared work. Overpayment was for £2,449.14 in Housing Benefit, £547.86 in Council Tax Benefit and £3,532.68 in Job Seekers' Allowance.

Each was given a conditional discharge during sentencing and ordered to pay a victims surcharge.

Sutton Council will now seek full recovery of the overpaid benefits.

Councillor Richard Clifton, Sutton’s lead councillor on revenue and benefits. said: "It’s a crying shame that our benefit fraud investigation team are having to work so hard to catch people claiming money they have no right to.

"But it is further proof – if proof were needed – that when people steal from the public purse we seek them out so they can be brought to justice.

"The message is clear. If you steal money from the borough and out of the pockets of those it is aimed at helping then we will prosecute you."

If you think someone is claiming Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Council Tax Reduction they are not entitled to, contact the council's Investigation Team, in confidence, on 020 8770 5687 or go to the website.

 

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