A clear warning (From Barry And District News)

A clear warning

A BARRY woman, who falsely claimed Housing and Council Tax benefits while she was working, has been sentenced to a 160-hour community punishment.

Barry magistrates heard from Mohammed Yakub, prosecuting for the Vale Council, that the false claims led to Catherine Claire Daniels, of Dudley Place, being paid £8,117,20 to which she was not entitled.

The court heard that the money had now been repaid and Daniels, who pleaded guilty at a previous hearing, was ordered to pay £260 costs.

Mr Yakub said investigations by the council's audit department revealed that, while claiming benefits from November, 1999, to July last year, Daniels failed to reveal details of employment at two local residential homes for the elderly.

She had filled in at least five application forms during this period and each contained a clear warning that anyone giving false information was liable to prosecution.

During an interview, Daniels told officers her failure to disclose employment details was because she felt her work was not permanent.

Mr Yakub added: "Housing and Council Tax benefits help those on low incomes pay their rent and/or Council Tax, and the council, which administers the system on behalf of the Benefits Agency, has a statutory duty to protect the public purse."

Garth James, for Daniels, said his client was shocked by her own stupidity, and financial pressures had led to her "burying her head in the sand."