Jail time waved for grieving grandmother after fraudulent £17,000 benefits claim discovered

Sharon Love, from Stockton-on-Tees was charged with over £17,000 worth of benefits fraud, after failing to inform her local council and the Department for Work and Pensions, that her partner was effectively living with her. The Thornaby grandmother was spared an immediate jail sentence, however, after it was discovered she was grieving from the devastating loss of her granddaughter.

According to Love’s solicitor, she believed that having her partner stay over a few nights a week did not amount to them living together, and therefore never felt the need to alert the appropriate authorities.

Love pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to notify the council or DWP of any changes in her circumstances, instantly admitting to the error, before waiting for her sentencing earlier this year. Due to the nature of the fraudulent claim, Love was facing potential jail time of around 21 months.

Love admitted to feeling concerned over her sentencing, particularly as she had a minor offence against her name that dated back to 1990. The judge, however, decided to wave the immediate jail sentence in favour of a more compassionate ruling, after hearing of the stressful and emotionally draining few months that Love had gone through.

46-year-old Love had been receiving housing benefits and income support since 1998, and was reliant on this to help support her family as a single mum, the court’s heard. She is the primary carer of her disabled daughter, who is entirely dependent on her support.

Throughout her community, she was always seen as a giver, raising her family alone while taking on the caring responsibilities for her wheelchair-bound daughter. She was even nominated for a Gazette Community Champion award as a result of her unending dedication to her family.

Love’s heart-breaking mitigation continued as it was heard that her young granddaughter had died in the previous year, which resulted in a period that Love claimed to be “physically and emotionally draining”.

The court also heard that she had recently begun a part-time job with a taxi company, and had already started to pay back the money that was owed. This, again, contributed to a reduction in the severity of her sentencing.

Sharon Love fully admitted to, and apologised for, the oversight that resulted in her fraudulent claim of £17,000, and was handed a 12-month community order, and fined £50. She was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £85 charge.

If you have been asked to attend an interview under caution, or are being accused of benefit fraud, contact South West Law today. We have over 20 years of experiencing dealing with cases of benefit fraud and are on hand to provide expert advice and support throughout every stage of proceedings. We are the only legal practice in the country that specialises in cases of benefit fraud so you can be sure that we have the knowledge and expertise to help you through the process. Visit Benefit Fraud Solicitors today, or contact the team on 01173 146400 to find out how we can help you.