Two benefits cheats who swindled more than £16,000 from the taxpayer have been spared jail.
Anthony Gladwin of Gassiot Way, Sutton, and Angela Bryant, of Stavordale Road, Carshalton, both cheated their way to benefits they were not owed.
Gladwin continued to claim housing benefit after an increase in his earnings leading to an overpayment of £5,166.30.
He admitted failing to declare a change in circumstance and was given a 12 month conditional discharge by Camberwell Green magistrates on Tuesday, August 27.
He will also have to pay a £15 victim surcharge.
A week earlier Bryant admitted a similar offence at the same court. She claimed to be working part time and on minimum wage when, in fact, she had full-time work. In total she cheated her way to £10,955.45.
The two cases are not connected.
Councillor Richard Clifton, Sutton Council's lead councillor for revenue and benefits, said: "Any crime against the public purse must be investigated and dealt with accordingly.
"This is another instance where two people have claimed money that is not theirs to have.
"We will continue the hard work being undertaken to ensure that every penny of the council’s money is spent appropriately and will take anyone who thinks they can flout the law to task."
If you think someone is claiming benefits they are not entitled to, you can contact the council's investigation team on 020 8770 5687.Or call the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 328 6340 or Textphone on 0800 328 6341.
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