A Wrexham mother has been sentenced after defrauding the public purse of more than £80,000 in a serious benefits fraud case. Charlene Brindley, 41, of Daisy Road in Brynteg, appeared at Mold Crown Court, where she was convicted of one count of fraud and three counts of failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) about changes in her circumstances.
Her offences spanned from 2014 to 2019, during which time she received various benefits, including income support, employment support allowance, housing benefit, and both working and child tax credits. Brindley claimed these benefits under the guise of being a lone parent, despite living with a man she later married in 2017.
An investigation revealed that she failed to inform the DWP of her change in circumstances, leading to a total benefit overpayment of approximately £81,000.
After the sentencing, a DWP spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to combating fraud and waste within public services, stating, “This government will not tolerate fraud or waste anywhere in public services, including in the social security system. We are determined to reduce fraud and error and are currently exploring all options on how best to achieve our goal.”
Brindley is repaying the £81,000 she unlawfully claimed at a minimal rate of £70 per month from her benefits and received a suspended sentence for her actions.