West Devon woman charged with benefit fraud

A West Devon woman who obtained more than £1,100 benefits fraudulently has been given a suspended prison sentence by Plymouth Magistrates.

Kimberley Roberts, 55, falsified benefit claim documents for a relative together with a lease, magistrates heard. She pleaded guilty to two offences of falsifying documents.

The case was brought against her by West Devon Borough Council. She was sentenced to 12 weeks custody for each offence, suspended for 12 months. In addition, she was ordered to repay the entire sum of £1,158.14, together with the Council's costs of £500.

After the hearing, spokesman for West Devon Borough Council said: "Any form of fraud is taken seriously and where found, the culprit will be brought to account.

"In this instance, the court has punished the defendant heavily reflecting its view of her dishonesty. We would hope that the level of sentence will act as a salutary warning to any would-be fraudsters. Any and all perpetrators discovered will be treated in the same manner and prosecuted, hopefully with the same level of punishment."