Woman sent to prison for £34,200 benefit fraud
A woman from Westbourne who falsely claimed £34,200 in benefits has been sent to prison.
Gina McQueen, 31, failed to report that she had a partner living with her who was working.
She had continued to claim as a lone parent with three children.
She did not tell either Chichester District Council or the Department for Work and Pensions of the change in her living arrangements.
She was overpaid income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit.
This amounted to 34,253.69 for just under a three-year period, starting in November, 2005.
McQueen was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison at Chichester Crown Court.
Benefits manager at Chichester District Council Chris Dring said: "This case proves neither the District Council nor the courts will take benefit fraud lightly.
"By abusing the system, benefit cheats are taking money that should be going to people who are entitled to it and need it the most.
"Those attempting to 'beat the system' will get caught, and there is a real possibility they could go to prison."
Chichester District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions will now take steps to recover the money.
McQueen pleaded guilty to five charges relating to dishonesty, making false representations to obtain benefits, and failing to notify changes in her circumstances on March 19.
If you suspect anyone of committing benefit fraud you can contact the council's investigation team on a confidential 24-hour fraud hotline number – 01243 534590.
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