Fraud team dismayed after benefit cheat avoids prison sentence

SPECIALIST fraud investigators have expressed disappointment in the sentencing of one of York’s worst ever benefit cheats who has been spared jail despite stealing tens of thousands of taxpayers’ money.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Apr 2011, 07:00 BST

Sarah Beattie, 33, of Water Lane, in Clifton, pleaded guilty yesterday at York Crown Court for fraudulently claiming more than £30,000 in four years, although York Council says it believes the true figure is as high as £60,000.

Despite reports that the number of benefit fraud cases is rising steadily in York, Beattie was sentenced to just 250-hours of community service.

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Max Thomas, director of specialist fraud investigators Veritau, which has been compiling a case against Beattie since 2007, alongside the council, Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) and North Yorkshire Police, said: “We were expecting a different sentence but we understand the courts are under pressure not to give custodial sentences and take into account people’s circumstances. We are slightly disappointed.

“This is one of the most calculated frauds uncovered in York in the past few years.

“In the past, similar cases of this size have resulted in a custodial sentence.

“There has been an increase in the number of cases, it is not registering in huge numbers but time will tell.

“These cases take a while to bring forward.”

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The investigation into Beattie was launched when suspicions were raised about her estranged partner and father of her children, Paul Willetts, 40, sub-letting his property, which was next door to her home, despite living with Beattie.

Investigators monitored both houses before swooping in February 2009, arresting Beattie and searching both properties.

It was discovered she had claimed £60,000 in benefits as a single parent over four years.

Beattie pleaded guilty to defrauding the council and DWP of £20,529.59 in income support, £10,448.97 in housing benefit and £2,415.61 in council tax benefit.

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A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “This is a good result for all of the agencies involved. It should send a very clear message to anyone involved with this type of crime that we will continue working together to bring them to justice.”

Veritau – a shared initiative comprising internal audit, counter fraud and information governance teams from York Council and North Yorkshire County Council – has taken on the workload of several overstretched councils across North Yorkshire to cope with the surge in cases.