Benefit fraud cases in court
Two local people are now awaiting sentencing, with another
sentenced to unpaid work, following two benefit fraud cases.
In the first case, Gili Bedborough (54) of Princess Margaret
Avenue, Ramsgate was found guilty of three offences relating to
Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support. She told
Thanet District Council and the Department of Work and Pensions
that she did not have any savings, when in fact she had more than
£8,000 worth.
After a trial lasting five and a half days at Canterbury Crown
Court, the Jury found Miss Bedborough guilty of the three charges
that she faced. In total, she had been overpaid more than £9,000
between August 2002 and February 2006. She will be sentenced the
week commencing Monday 11 August at Canterbury Crown Court.
The case of Mark (34) and Tara (35) Pyner now of All Saints
Avenue, Margate, but previously of Duke Street, Margate was at
court on 4 July. Mark Pyner pleaded guilty to four charges of
giving false information.
He failed to declare that he had his wife Tara Pyner living with
him at a flat in Duke Street and as a result was overpaid Housing
Benefit and Council Tax Benefit of just under £2,500 between May
2005 and May 2006. His case was adjourned until Friday 5 September
for reports, before he is sentenced.
Tara Pyner pleaded guilty to two charges of giving false
information with a view to obtaining benefit. She was sentenced to
150 hours of unpaid work over an 18 month period and ordered to pay
£1248.47 compensation at a rate of £50 per month.
ENDS