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Watford Borough Council has sent a strong warning out to local benefit cheats this week, following the announcement that one resident has been sentenced to an eight-week curfew, a tagging, 12 months community order and a fine of £300, after claiming to be a single parent while living with her partner.

Miss Kerri Clarke, aged 25, of The Phillipers, Watford, claimed Income Support, Housing and Council Tax Benefit. She based her claims on being a single parent. 

An investigation lead by the Department for Works and Pension (DWP), in conjunction with Watford Borough Council, found that Miss Clarke actually had her partner living with her and she had failed to notify this change to them. 

In August 2008, Miss Clarke was jointly interviewed under caution at the DWP offices by fraud investigation officers from both organisations. At interview Miss Clarke initially denied the allegation but after evidence was put to her, admitted that her partner was living with her four to five nights per week.

In October 2009, Miss Clarke appeared before Watford Magistrates Court where she pleaded not guilty to two charges relating to failing to declare a change in circumstance, that she knew would affect her Income Support between 15 October 2007 and 27 July 2008, with a view to obtaining  benefit. She also made a false representation to claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit, stating that she was single, when in fact she had a partner living with her. The Income Support amounted to £2,576, and Housing and Council Tax Benefit, £4,663.   

Councillor Andy Wylie, cabinet member responsible for financial issues said: “This latest prosecution and conviction demonstrates that Watford Borough Council is taking a strong line on benefit offences and will not tolerate benefit cheats.”

On 22 February 2010, Miss Clarke, of previous good character, appeared before Dacorum magistrates for sentencing. She was sentenced to a 12 months community order, eight weeks curfew and to be tagged. She also has to pay £300 in costs to the DWP and Watford Borough Council. 

The overpaid benefits are also to be repaid.

Readers can report a fraud in confidence on the Freephone Fraud Hotline (0800 458 9200), or write to the council’s Fraud Section at the Town Hall, Watford WD17 3EX.