£81,000 benefits cheat caught out by snorkelling picture walks free

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RICHARD VERNALLS

Linda Hoey leaves court surrounded by family after being sentenced for benefit fraud. She will now be pursued for the £81,000 she swindled.

more than bare-faced lies which you continued in this court.

“You called two members of your family in support. I hardly think you merit the description your daughter gave you, as someone to whom she can look up to as a role model. If that’s the sort of role model your daughter thinks is appropriate, that’s a very great shame indeed.

“The fact you’re shunned by neighbours and people turn their backs on you comes to me as no surprise whatsoever. You’ve demonstrated your reputation is you’re someone whose word cannot be trusted.”

Lucinda Wilmott-Lascelles, prosecuting, said Hoey had “exaggerated and lied about her difficulties”.

Her barrister, Marion Smullen, said her client was of previous “exemplary” character, and her claim – at its outset – had been

“genuine”. But the judge told Hoey: “In my judgment, your conduct merits harsh words.

“What an example you set your children, sitting in the dock of Stafford Crown Court convicted of offences of dishonesty over a long period of time.”

Mr Recorder Elsom said Hoey had “never shown any remorse or admission of wrong-doing”, despite the “bold and bare facts” of her offending. He added ordinary people who paid their taxes rightly felt “revulsion” at “people such as you”.

Outside court, the DWP senior fraud manager for Midlands shires, Dave Pedley, welcomed the sentence, adding they would pursue Hoey for the full amount she had claimed. He added the department had secured a charge on both her property, in Tamworth, Staffordshire, and against a narrow boat she owned at Kings Bromley.

Linda Hoey was caught out by picture of a holiday in Maldives.