main content Benefit Fraudster Prosecuted

A benefit fraudster was recently sentenced at Croydon Crown Court bringing the total prosecuted to 81 since the inception of Bromley Council’s partnership with Greenwich Council in April 2002.

Council Leader Stephen Carr said “This prosecution and the sentence imposed we hope may act as a deterrent against fraudsters. It is our intention to vigorously pursue fraudsters as part of our zero tolerance on fraud.”

Susan Bessim, 43, of Valeswood Road, Bromley, pleaded guilty to defrauding Bromley Council and the Department of Work and Pensions of housing benefits, council tax benefits and income support totalling in excess of £16,500 over a 15 month period to October 2005. She had sublet her housing association property whilst she was abroad. Ms Bessim was sentenced to a 12 month custodial sentence suspended for two years, ordered to pay £200 legal costs and £2,200 in compensation.

The Council is in the process of recovering the housing and council tax benefits overpayments in this case.
ENDS
Notes to editors:

• For media enquiries, please contact Luis Remedios on 020 8313 4886 or email luis.remedios@bromley.gov.uk
• Further information is available at www.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.
• This prosecution brings to 81 the number of prosecutions for the period April 2002 to early December 2006.