A NEWPORT grandmother has been handed a suspended sentence at Newport Crown Court for fraudulently claiming over £40,000 in benefits.

Tracey Fletcher, 48, of Sycamore Avenue, Somerton, Newport, was charged with three counts of dishonestly failing to notify change in circumstance affecting entitlement to benefit, and one count of dishonestly failing to give notice of a change affecting entitlement to reduction in council tax reduction scheme.

During sentencing on Thursday the court heard how Fletcher dishonesty made a false representation for housing benefit, namely that she was living alone from December 9, 2001 and January 7, 2014; false representation affecting council tax between December 9, 2001 and April 2, 2003; and dishonesty failing to give notice of council tax between April 1, 2013 and January 16, 2014.

During sentencing on Thursday, Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett said she had been falsely claiming benefits since 2001 amounting to £44, 137. 74.

“The benefit records show that in fact the defendant began claiming benefits in the 1990’s and a subsequent investigation reveals that she was formally married in 1990.

“She was living with her husband, he was employed as a scaffolder and was receiving a regular wage.

“Despite that she claimed she was a single parent living with her children on benefits.”

Mr Bennett said the truth came out after an anonymous complaint came in from a member of the public which resulted in the defendant being interviewed in January 2014.

Fletcher initially denied the allegations and said she was living hand to mouth on benefits.

“It goes back to 2001 to 2014- that’s 13 years of dishonest benefits,” Mr Bennett added.

James Tucker defending Fletcher said she had no previous convictions; was of good character and was responsible as a primary carer for her grandchild.

He said his client was already beginning to pay back the money owed since May this year and had so far paid back £889.59.

“There is a lack of any lavish lifestyle,” Mr Tucker said.

“She had made a genuine attempt to recover the loss.”

Recorder Peter Rouch QC sentenced Fletcher to six months imprisonment suspended for two years.

“The offences to which you pleaded guilty are serious offences indeed,” he said.

“By fraudulently claiming benefits you are bringing the system into disrepute.”

She must pay £250 costs and a £80 victim surcharge within six months.