Wife lied about her ‘broken’ marriage to claim £4,800 benefits

A HUSBAND and wife have been convicted of benefit fraud after falsely claiming more than £4,800 of taxpayers’ cash.

Lucia Chimalova, 34, lied when she said she had separated from her husband Michal Chimal, 35, and needed financial support from Cheshire East Council to help pay her rent and council tax.

The fraud lasted almost 18 months before it was discovered that he had been living with her the whole time.

The total fraud was £4,801.32.

The couple, both of Norton Street, Macclesfield, admitted making a false representation to obtain Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on July 21.

Chimalova was ordered to complete 180 hours unpaid work and Chimal was sentenced to an 18-week curfew from 5pm to 5am daily.

Both were told to pay costs of £675 and must repay the illegallyobtained benefits in full.

Coun Les Gilbert, cabinet member for communities, said: “The council will not tolerate benefit cheats.

“I’d urge people who may be thinking of trying to cheat the system to not bother. You will be caught.”