Benefit fraudsters who pretended to have 18 children to claim £300k only have to repay £2
A couple are believed to have made £305,952 through benefit fraud but are only believed to be required to pay £2 back.
Benefit fraud investigator discusses fraudster claiming over £50k
A couple who masterminded a scheme to defraud the benefits system by more than £300,000 by claiming they had 18 children are only believed to be expected to pay back £2.
Tracy Ashbridge and Robert Ashbridge are believed to have falsified child benefits.
Tracy, an employee of HMRC, manipulated the system by claiming three of her children were disabled and submitted fraudulent tax credit claims for 15 additional children from 2015 to 2019.
Sentenced to prison last September, Tracy used her access to work-related information to facilitate her deceit.
Her husband, Robert, who aided in one of the fraudulent acts, received a suspended sentence.
At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in July at Newcastle Crown Court, it was uncovered that the total amount obtained through their scheme was £305,952.
Despite this, Tracy was ordered to repay just £1, as the investigation revealed she possessed no assets.
Robert faced a similarly minimal repayment order.
During a subsequent hearing, it was found that he had profited £22,385 from the scam. However, like his wife, he was found to have no assets and was given the choice to repay £1 or serve seven days in jail.
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Robert admitted to one count of fraud, but prosecutors claimed he had “encouraged” Tracy's fraudulent behavior throughout their scheme.
The Ashbridges are obligated to return any additional money they might acquire in the future. During their arrest, £7,614 in assorted currencies was confiscated from their home.
Judge Gavin Doig addressed Robert Ashbridge, stating: “I declare the benefit figure to be £22,385.21 and the available amount is £1. The confiscation order is set at £1, with seven days imprisonment in default. Mr. Ashbridge has seven days to pay this amount. I also order the forfeiture of all cash seized on March 6, 2019, from the defendants' residence.”
As the hearing concluded, Judge Doig remarked: “I sincerely hope I don’t see you again.
