main content Benefit fraudster convicted

A benefit fraudster was found guilty at Bromley Magistrates Crown Court, bringing the total prosecuted to 46 since the inception of Bromley Council’s partnership with Greenwich Council in April 2002.

Council Leader Stephen Carr said “This prosecution is a further example of our determination to vigorously pursue fraudsters and protect the public purse.”

Maxine Blake, 47, of Greenleigh Avenue, St Paul’s Cray, pleaded guilty to defrauding Bromley Council of benefits totalling nearly £6,000.

She was sentenced to a community punishment order and a £2,000 compensation order.

The Council is currently seeking to recover overpayment of benefits.

ENDS

Notes to editors: 

• For media enquiries, please contact Luis Remedios on 020 8313 4886 or email luis.remedios@bromley.gov.uk
• Anyone with any information about a suspected benefit fraud should contact (in strict confidence) the Fraud Hotline on 0800 169 6975
• Bromley Council works in partnership with Greenwich Council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team.
• These prosecutions brings to 46 the number of prosecutions for the period to early December 2005. We have also been able to claim back £260,000 in reward money for prosecutions, cautions, summonses and administrative penalties over three and a half years.