A BATCHLEY woman has been prosecuted for benefit fraud.
Juliette Broadbelt, 36, of Bridley Moor Road, was sentenced to an 18-month community rehabilitation order and 100-hour community punishment order for failing to declare work while claiming benefits.
Broadbelt started working at a pub in March 2003 but continued to claim £9,112.87 income support, £281.85 Housing Benefit and £58.12 Council Tax Benefit that she was not entitled to.
The offences came to light when Redditch Council attempted to carry out a review of her housing benefit and council tax benefit claims.
The claim was cancelled as she had failed to provide information and further inquiries uncovered the fraud. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) then joined the investigation to ensure the full extent of the case was revealed.
Broadbelt was ordered to repay the balance owing to the council through a compensation order.
The DWP will recover the money owed through their own methods.
To report a benefit fraud, call 534164.
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