Benefit cheat claimed nearly £53,000

A benefit cheat from Rochdale who falsely claimed almost £53,000 has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Bernadette Dearden, 45, of Daventry Road, Rochdale had previously pleaded guilty to 3 offences of dishonestly making a false statement and obtaining Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support which she knew she was not entitled to, over a 7 year period.

At Bolton Crown Court she was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and to attend ‘New Direction’ activity sessions.

Dearden’s dishonesty was uncovered following a joint investigation between Rochdale Borough Council and the DWP. Investigators found that Dearden, formerly of Royds Street, Rochdale had claimed benefits as a single person whilst living with her partner, who become her husband when they married in 2008, and who was in full time employment.

The Judge, Recorder John Bromley-Davenport warned Dearden that he had seriously considered prison but decided to suspend the sentence in recognition of her early guilty plea, and previous good character. In addition to her sentence, Dearden will also have to repay the £53,000.

Councillor Farooq Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Finance said: "This is the latest case that proves neither the council nor the court takes benefit fraud lightly. By abusing the system, benefit cheats take money that should be going to people who are entitled to it and need it the most.

“Those attempting to beat the system do get caught."