Telford couple illegally claimed £75,000 benefits
A couple illegally claimed more than £75,000 in benefits over more than a decade after failing to declare that they were living together, a court heard.
Philip Athersmith, 41, and Pauline Cronin, 51, of St Matthews Road, Donnington, admitted three charges of fraudulently claiming benefits between December 2000 and March 2011.
Yesterday at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Judge Peter Barrie said the couple had defrauded the benefit system over a long period of time and had had repeated opportunities to set the matter right.
"The benefit claims had started honestly and it needs strength of character to make a declaration that would take away that support. It was strength you were unable to show," he said.
He ordered Athersmith to carry out 100 hours of community service during a 12-month supervision order and undergo a 12-month alcohol treatment order. Cronin was given a 12-month supervision order incorporating a skills course.
Mr Geoffrey Dann, prosecuting, said the couple had been together since 2000 and had a child in 2001. Athersmith had worked between 2003 and 2010.
Cronin had claimed benefit to which she was not entitled of £38,028, an additional £32,710 of housing benefit and council tax benefits of £5,300.
Miss Michelle Heeley, for the couple, said that her clients were currently repaying the money as best they could from the benefits they now legally received.
