A Cumbrian woman has admitted defrauding the public purse of more than £45,000 in benefits payments.
Natalie Johnson, 33, of The Lynchetts, Shap, Penrith, admitted two charges of dishonestly making a false statement to obtain benefit when she appeared at Carlisle Magistrates' Court earlier today (Monday, 16th December 2019).
The maximum penalty for the offence is 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction, 7 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment.
In relation to the first charge Magistrates heard that Johnson, who was living in Derby at the time, failed to notify Erewash Borough Council that she was living with a partner whilst claiming Housing Benefit payments. This offence took place between 6th June 2014 and 23rd March 2016.
The second charge relates to Johnson failing to notify Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs that she was living with a partner whilst claiming Tax Credit payments. This offence took place between 6th June 2014 and 1st March 2017.
Magistrates were told that these offences were deliberately dishonest acts from the outset. Given the circumstances, the Bench declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court.
Magistrates ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report prior to Johnson's next appearance at the Crown Court on 13th January 2020.
She was released on unconditional bail until then.
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