A WOMAN from Westbury recently received a two year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay more than £17,000 back of benefits after being found guilty of fraud.
Amanda Norton, 37, from Springfield Road, Westbury, was found guilty at Chippenham Magistrates Court on 4th July. She was jointly prosecuted by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Wiltshire Council in relation to benefit fraud.
Miss Norton failed to notify the council and DWP that she was living with her partner and continued to claim income support which she was not entitled to. This resulted in an overpayment of £5,008.03. She also claimed housing and council tax benefits which she was not entitled to, amounting to a £12,317.73 overpayment.
Miss Norton was given a two years’ conditional discharge and ordered to pay £12 victim surcharge as well as having to repay the £17,325.46, the total of the overpaid benefits, back to DWP and Wiltshire Council.
