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Woman could face jail over benefit fraud
AN EASTBOURNE mother-of-three wept in court as she was warned she faces jail for pocketing nearly £18,000 in benefits she was not entitled to.
Diane Pomfrey, 34, claimed housing and council tax benefit from Eastbourne Borough Council.
But Lewes Crown Court heard how she failed to declare she was working at Sussex Downs College and for East Sussex County Council.
She was found out after a probe by fraud investigation officers at Eastbourne Borough Council.
She was charged and appeared at Eastbourne Magistrates Court in July and the case was committed to the crown court.
Pomfrey, of Windermere Crescent, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Friday and admitted five offences of benefit fraud between 2003 and 2007.
The court heard she has three children including a four-month-old baby.
Judge Simon Coltart adjourned sentencing until February 2 and warned Pomfrey she faced a jail sentence.
He said, "All sentencing options remain open, including custody."
Pomfrey was released on bail.
An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesperson said this week, "The council is pleased with the successful outcome of this case and will continue to pursue fraud cases through the courts in line with its counter fraud policy."
The council is also appealing to members of the public to help them catch benefit fraudsters by leaving information on the Benefit Fraud Hotline by calling 0800 7317039.
The hotline offers member of the public access to a telephone staffed by investigations officers during office hours and an answering service out of these hours.
Eastbourne Borough Council also has a web page at www.eastbourne.gov.uk/benefitfraud which has more information.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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