Pembroke School cleaner given 100 hours community work for £11,376 benefit overpayment

At Haverfordwest magistrates court yesterday (Monday) Marlene Maria Idris Bendall admitted failing to notify both agencies that Ian Bendall, was residing in her home between April 2007 and the beginning of 2009.

During this period 36-year-old Bendall received income support, and consequently council tax benefit, on the basis that she was a lone parent.

Sharon Knox, prosecuting, said that evidence had been obtained from several banks that during this time Bendall and her husband had applied for mortgages on the property and the mortgage applications stated that Mr Bendall was living there.

Ms Knox said that Bendall, of 61B Laws Street, Pembroke Dock, had been overpaid £10,406 in income support and £969 in council tax benefit.

She had started to pay the DWP back at the rate of £10 a week from January of this year but had not started on council tax repayments and also had unpaid council tax outstanding.

James Subbiani, defending, said that Bendall's benefits claim had initially been legitimate, as she had separated from her husband. He later started to stay over when visiting the children and at a point in time the couple got back together.

Mr Subbiani said that exactly when Mr Bendall had started contribute to the household was a "grey area".

He said that Bendall, who now works for two hours a day as a school cleaner, was previously of good character and was distressed and embarrassed to find herself in front of the court.

She was paying the DWP back above the rate they had suggested and didn't realise that a separate arrangement had to be made with the council.

"This was a serious offence over a protracted period of time with a large amount of money involved," said the presiding magistrate, before imposing a 12 month community order, with a 100 hour unpaid work requirement, as well as £85 costs.

"I just want to apologise. I'm really sorry," said Bendall.