Magistrate warns against sticking head in sand

 Vikki Bracey [ 27 ]  of Wheatlands Drive, Countesthorpe pleaded guilty to benefit fraud at Leicester Magistrates Court on 4th July 2007.

Between October 2006 and February 2007, Miss Bracey failed to notify Blaby District Council that her partner had returned to work, contrary to Social Security Administration Act 1992.  As a result she received £1,485·93 in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit that she was not entitled to. 

Miss Bracey failed to attend a number of “interview under caution” appointments with Blaby District Council Investigation Officers and a subsequent hearing at Leicester Magistrates Court.  A warrant of arrest was issued on 8th June 2007.

Miss Bracey was arrested and bailed to return to the courts.  Sentencing the distraught mother of three, Magistrates said “You clearly now realize how foolish you have been by sticking your head in the sand.  Let this be a lesson to deal with problems.  You must always notify people if your circumstances change.”

Miss Bracey was given a 12 months conditional discharge and will have to repay the monies in full.

Councillor Ernie White for Blaby District Council stated:
“Miss Bracey was of previous good character.  Had she attended one of the many “interview under caution appointments” that were offered to discuss matters, the case could have been dealt with by way of a caution or administrative penalty.  Instead she has had to face arrest, a court appearance and now has a criminal record

In another case brought by Blaby District Council  woman claiming benefits who failed to declare she had started work has been fined £100 and ordered to pay £50 towards prosecution costs.

Sonal MODI [28], of Braunstone Close, Leicester, pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates' Court on 15th June 2007 to benefit fraud.  The court heard that between September 06 and February 2007, she had been overpaid housing and council tax benefit totalling £976·69
Prosecuting, Rod Stephenson stated that Blaby District Council had been forced to bring this prosecution following Miss Modi’s failure to cooperate with the investigation.  She had failed to attend several interview appointments to discuss the matter. The Council’s policy on benefit fraud means that where an individual fails to assist the Council  with  their  investigations reduced sanctions cannot be considered.

Councillor White commented “This case also shows that failure to cooperate with Council investigations can lead to increased penalties in the long run.”