A benefit cheat who pretended to be broke despite having thousands in the bank has been ordered to repay four years’ worth of council benefits.
Siobhan Billings, of Andover Estate, Finsbury, claimed more than £12,000 in housing and council tax benefits by saying that she was a single parent. But a council investigation revealed that she was still living with her partner and had up to £80,000 stashed away in the bank.
Billings, 50, pleaded guilty to eight charges of benefit fraud at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court last month and was sentenced to 140 hours of community service.
Councillor James Murray, Islington’s executive member for housing, said: “The prosecution gives a clear message that benefit fraud is not a victimless crime and will not be tolerated.”
