A young woman who stole benefits money from a teenager during the first coronavirus lockdown has been sentenced by magistrates.
Chelsea Amelia Tracey, 21, entered into a verbal agreement with the male — then aged 17 — during April 2020. It was agreed his Universal Credit would be paid into her account as he didn’t have one.
She would withdraw cash and hand it over. A first £220 payment was deposited into Tracey’s building society account. She arranged for a third party to hand-deliver the money but this was £20 short.
The teenager then set up his own account but having initially missed a payment cut-off point, £311 was paid into Tracey’s account which she never gave him. In an impact statement read to Carlisle magistrates’ court, the teen described being “solely reliant” on benefit money.
“This has affected my life as I can’t pay my rent and I am in arrears,” he stated. “I have been struggling to buy food and have had to borrow money from my family members. Not having this money has affected me in a huge way.”
Tracey — a woman without previous convictions — initially denied theft. She failed to attend her trial, was convicted in her absence and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She appeared in court from custody with a probation officer saying she was remorseful and willing to pay back the cash.
Tracey, of Marks Avenue, Carlisle, received a 12-month community order. She must complete rehabilitation, was fined £115 and has to pay £331 compensation.
