Benefit fraudster brought to justice
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
30/01/2008
A 52 year-old woman from Shepherds Bush has been found guilty of fraudulently claiming housing benefit and council tax benefit.
Amparo Restrepo, of Richford Street, claimed the benefit from H&F Council from September 2005 after stating that she was in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA).
However, the council received information that Mrs Restrepo's JSA had ended in October 2005 - a change in circumstances which was never declared.
This led to an overpayment of £2,024 in housing benefit and £1,265 in council tax benefit. This money now has to be paid back by Mrs Restrepo. In addition, Restrpo was also ordered to pay a £100 fine and £100 in court costs.
Mrs Restrepo was invited to attend an interview under caution three times but on each occasion failed to turn up. In line with Council procedures, the case was then passed to our legal department.
Cllr Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, said: "Fraudulent behaviour is looked upon very seriously by this council and we will continue to bring those who think it is acceptable to justice. I hope this case sends out the message that people will still get prosecuted - and failing to attend their interviews will make things even worse."
Restrepo was very apologetic for her misdemeanours and due to the unlikelihood of her reoffending and her unusual work shift patterns it was deemed by the Judge that a Community Punishment Order would not be suitable in this case.
-ENDS-
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