Wethersfield: benefits cheat spared jail (From Halstead Gazette)

Wethersfield: benefits cheat spared jail

11:38am Thursday 9th July 2009

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A benefits fraudster with a criminal past has been spared jail.

Instead Tracey Moore, 45, received a six months jail sentence suspended for two years and was today ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Moore, of Mitchell Circle, Wethersfield obtained over £13,000 in benefits after failing to declare she was living with a partner and failing to notify a change of circumstances.

Moore pleaded guilty to obtaining a money transfer by failing to declare she was living with a partner and failing to notify a change of circumstances.

The court heard how Moore had previous convictions for obtaining property by deception and had already received community punishment and been given a suspended jail sentence.

Sentencing her Judge Rodger Hayward Smith said that although there were previous convictions they were of a slightly different nature.

However, he added : "It is a serious matter. It was money which should have been given to a deserving cause."

He said she had come "close to going to jail" but that as they had declared the marriage he had decided she should not be put behind bars.

Anne Gray, mitigtating, said Moore suffered depression and had outstanding debts having obtained a loan for her wedding.

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