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Benefit fraudster convicted
A benefit fraudster pleaded guilty at Bromley Magistrates Crown Court, bringing the total prosecuted to 39 since the inception of Bromley Council’s partnership with Greenwich Council in April 2002.
Council Leader Stephen Carr said “Benefit cheats will be prosecuted vigorously to protect public funds. Fraud will not be tolerated by this Authority.”
Gemma Hawkins, 21, a tenant from Gladstone Mews, Penge, pleaded guilty to illegally sub-letting her property for a rent of £800 per month. She was sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge with £50 costs.
The overpayment of £350 benefits has been recovered.
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 38 the number of prosecutions for the period to 31 July 2005. We have also been able to claim back over £230,000 in reward money for prosecutions, cautions, summonses and administrative penalties over three years.