Pensioner in £36,000 fraud avoids jail

A pensioner from Smethwick who was overpaid £36,000 in benefits after failing to tell the authorities she was living with her partner has avoided jail.

Belinda Bascho-George fraudulently claimed over a period of seven years, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday.

The 68-year-old, who turned up to court aided by a walking stick, was overpaid pension credit, as well as housing benefit and council tax benefit between 2003 and 2010.

Kevin Grego, prosecuting, told the court: "On the pension credit documents provided, there is the usual back sheet on what to do if your circumstances change."

Mr Grego told the court during an intital interview, Bascho-George denied she had been living with her partner since 2003.

Kirsten Montgomery, defending, said: "She has repaid the money. Her benefits have stopped and she and her partner have had to rely on friends and family which has been a real hardship."

Judge Michael Dudley told Bascho-George: "Benefit fraud is a serious matter. It often does carry an imediate inprisonment."

Judge Dudley added he would not send Bascho-George, of Sabell Road, straight to jail, recognising she was ill.

Bascho-George admitted failing to notify change of circumstances and making a false statement to obtain benefits.

She was handed a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.