A MOTHER of two has admitted fraudulently claiming benefits and council tax, three years after a conviction for a similar offence.
Sarah Whale, of Turnpike Place, Braintree, pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday (September 17) to two counts of claiming £2,440 in housing benefit and council tax between April 11 2012 to October 21 2012, by not notifying Braintree District Council that her partner had begun earning more money.
The 30-year-old pleaded not guilty to four counts at an earlier hearing.
The court heard on Wednesday that Whale's partner started earning more money in overtime through his UPS delivery job because of the Olympic Games.
This had only come to the attention of the authorities because Whale told Braintree District Council she had begun earning money at the Tabor Centre in Braintree, a facility that helps disabled people.
The court heard Whale had a previous conviction for dishonestly claiming £24,000 of housing benefit in 2011 and was given a two-year suspended sentence that ended on November 17 last year.
But Judge Anthony Goldstaub said this case was an "honest mistake" and should not be punished too harshly.
"The public should understand there is a difference between dishonest non-disclose and simply a failure to notify of a change of circumstances.
"It would not be right in my judgement to punish her further, my view is there is no dishonesty.
Whale has already paid back £850 and was ordered to pay £500 towards the prosecution costs.
She was also given a supervision order to remain at her home address as well as a to pay a victim surcharge of £15.
Count three and four of the original charges were left to lay on file.
