Ex-Pc who lied about daughter’s ‘cancer’ admits fraud

Rachel Hewitt, 39, appeared at Hull Crown Court where she also pleaded guilty to a charge of misconduct in a public office.

She admitted that, between January 1 2009 and October 10 last year, she claimed her daughter “was ill with a form of cancer, she had had a tumour which was surgically removed requiring chemotherapy that necessitated absence from work”.

Hewitt, who was an officer with the North Yorkshire force at the time of the offences, denied a further charge of fraud relating to a request for a career break to look after her daughter.

Simon Batiste, prosecuting, said these pleas were acceptable and said the charge which Hewitt denied will not be proceeded with.

Heidi Cotton, defending, asked Judge Michael Mettyear for the case to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and the judge agreed.

The case was not opened and no further details of the offences were given in court.

Hewitt, of Pontefract, West Yorkshire, spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas during the 15-minute hearing.

She stood in the dock wearing glasses and a dark trouser suit with her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail.

She was given unconditional bail and told she will be sentenced on June 6 at the same court.