[A] WOMAN from Whitehaven has been sentenced for a £7,000 tax credit fiddle.
Frances Andersen, 42, initially lodged a legitimate claim and was required to inform Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs of any changes to her circumstances.
But Carlisle Crown Court heard how, between April in 2016 and February last year, she failed to disclose that she was living with her then husband after a period of separation.
As a result she was paid tax credit of around £7,000 to which she was not entitled.
Andersen appeared at court today (MON) and admitted being knowingly concerned in fraudulent activity with a view to obtaining tax credit.
Judge James Adkin heard she was a woman of previous good character, had since divorced from her husband and was in a new “stable” relationship. She was also in the process of paying money back.
Andersen, of Burnmoor Avenue, Whitehaven, was made subject to a 12-month community order by Judge Adkin, and ordered to complete 100 hours’ unpaid work.
