Telford couple in court on benefits charges
A married couple from Shropshire accused of falsely claiming nearly £65,000 in benefits over a 12-year period have appeared in court.
Bernice Brazenell, 62, faces four charges of dishonestly making false statements to obtain a host of benefits including Jobseekers' Allowance, income support, pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit.
She is accused of not notifying the authorities she was living with her husband Nigel Brazenell at their home in Purbeckdale, in Dawley, Telford, which would have affected the amount she received.
Her 55-year-old husband faces four charges of causing or allowing his wife to fail to notify benefit chiefs of their circumstances.
The charges date from 1998 to 2010.
The couple appeared at Telford Magistrates Court yesterday, where justices formally committed the case to Shrewsbury Crown Court to be dealt with.
The pair were bailed to appear at a preliminary hearing at the higher court on December 10.
