Hounslow’s Benefit Fraud Team has scored another victory following the successful prosecution of a 54-year-old Chiswick resident for falsely claiming almost £18,000 in benefits.

Pamela Waple, of Beverley Court, Wellesley Rd, Chiswick, was prosecuted for dishonestly failing to promptly notify a change in circumstances and dishonestly making a false statement to obtain Housing Benefit.

She was found guilty of falsely claiming £15,478.35 in Housing Benefit and £2,290.22 in Council Tax Benefit, and was sentenced to 200 hours Community Service. She also has to repay £17,768.57 in total.

Investigating officers from the Council’s Housing Benefit Fraud Team discovered that Waple withheld the fact that she had started working as a Sales Advisor for Marks and Spencer in the Kew Retail Park since September 2001, in order to continue claiming benefit.

In her interview with investigators, Waple said she knew what she was doing was wrong. She said she committed the offence because she had no one to support her financially and that her wages did not cover her rent.

The case was heard at Feltham Magistrates Court last month (26 November 2004).

December 28, 2004