Cheat stole £17k in illegal claims

12:00pm Monday 14th April 2008

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A fraudster who cheated the council out of £17,000 in housing benefit by keeping her husband's employment a secret has escaped a prison sentence.

Faiza Midiaf, 35, of Scott Trimmer Way, Hounslow, claimed the money over three years - from June 2003 to November 2006 - even though her situation had changed and she was no longer entitled to the benefits.

During this period her husband worked for three separate employers, however Midiaf never declared any of her husband's earnings and managed to claim £13,000 for housing and nearly £4,000 in council tax benefit.

After pleading guilty to six charges at Feltham Magistrates' Court she was sentenced to a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

She was also handed an 18-month supervision order and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

Hounslow Council's lead member for finance Councillor Gerald McGregor, said Midiaf's crime was carried out "knowingly and with intent".

He said: "Claiming benefits that you are not entitled to receive is a criminal offence and carries the threat of imprisonment. If your circumstances change and you think that could affect your entitlement to benefits let us know or you could end up in court."

Midiaf was caught by the council's benefit fraud unit after being tipped off by Government officials whose computer data matching service found her details to be suspicious.

She must now repay the full amount of benefits she claimed illegally, in addition to £500 in court costs.

Coun McGregor urged anyone involved in benefit fraud to come clean and contact the council.

"They will find that they will be heard and their personal circumstances taken into account.

"In these situations legal action is always a last resort," he said.

Phone Hounslow's fraud team on 020 8583 2111 or email fraud@hounslow.gov.uk