Chorley benefit fraudster handed curfew order (From Chorley Citizen)

Chorley benefit fraudster handed curfew order

8:00am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Chorley

A mum-of-three has been handed a three-month curfew order by magistrates after pleading guilty to benefit fraud.

Louise McNamara, 36, of Moor Road, Chorley, obtained over £6,500 in benefits she was not entitled to, magistrates sitting at Preston heard.

They were told it was an anonymous tip-off which prompted an investigation into her claim for income support and council tax benefit. Initially her claim was legitimate because she was a single parent with no means of supporting herself or her children, but then she failed to tell authorities when her partner moved in and that he was in full time work.

She pleaded guilty to three offences of falsely obtaining the cash.

As well as the three month curfew between 7pm and 7am, McNamara was also ordered to pay £85 costs.

Councillor Peter Wilson, who oversees benefits at Chorley Council, said: “This information came to light following an anonymous call to the DWP national fraud hotline.

“Their inquiries revealed there was some substance to the allegation so we were invited to join the investigation.

“Although Ms McNamara’s benefit claim was initially correct, her failure to promptly report a change in her circumstances means she now has a criminal record as well as a large overpayment to repay.”

Steps are now being taken to recover the overpayment.