Woman told to repay after fraud

A COUPLE from Ramsey failed to declare all their earnings even though one was claiming benefits, a court has heard.

Sally Brudenell (48) and David Pollard (56), both formerly of Westfield Road, Ramsey, and now residing in Sussex, were convicted in their absence when they failed to attend a hearing in October last year and were arrested recently and brought back to court

Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court heard Brudenell had claimed benefit at 29 Westfield Road, Ramsey in February 2010 as an unemployed single parent.

But following her claims an allegation was received by Huntingdon District Council’s fraud team that a David Pollard also lived at the address and worked full time.

Inquiries showed that Pollard was resident and in full time work although the couple both denied any wrongdoing in interviews with council investigators.

When Brudenell’s benefit was recalculated it was found that £3,509 had been overpaid in housing and council tax benefit and income support between February and June 2010.

Brudenell, who had no previous convictions, received a 12-month community order to undertake 120 hours unpaid work. She was told to pay compensation to the council of £2,423, and costs of £240.

Pollard was told that his sentence was deferred as he is due to change employment. His case was adjourned to July 23.