Shropshire woman betrayed husband in £17,000 tax fraud
A Shropshire woman betrayed her husband to rake in more than £17,000 by falsifying his tax returns, a court heard.
Joanne Lloyd, 37, came up with her money-making plot in secret.
The first her husband knew about it was when tax officers demanded an answer and asked him to attend an interview.
Now the couple are separated and Lloyd has a criminal record, although she avoided jail when she appeared in court.
Lloyd, of Old Mill Avenue, Morda, Oswestry, stole almost £17,600 in total, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.
Her husband had no idea of her money-making plot and has since left her, the court heard.
Lloyd, who works at Newbridge Day Nursery in Oswestry, was sentenced to a community order including 200 hours of unpaid work.
Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said: "On January 3 at this court the defendant pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud which brought together nine tax repayments made to this defendant and her husband.
"Her husband was completely innocent of any wrongdoing or knowledge."
He said Lloyd received £17,588.95 and had made a further application for £1,500 which was not successful.
When HMRC contacted David Lloyd, his wife postponed the meeting before confessing to the entire con, said Mr Edwards.
She sent a letter saying she accepted full responsibility for the tax returns and it was without the knowledge of her husband.
Defending, Mr Ian Durant said: "She was repaying £68 a week, which has now reduced to £25 a week because her husband has left her since these offences. She is a single mum in part-time employment. Her boss June Jones is here to support her."
Judge Peter Barrie sentenced Lloyd to 200 hours of unpaid work and said: "I know that will be a serious burden on you as you have your own employment and a child. The priority is to repay the tax that you stole."
