Geding Borough Care Worker In Benefit Scam

A former care worker who fraudulently claimed more than £4,000 in benefits has been given a conditional discharge.

Carol Stapleton, 59, of New Vale Road, Colwick, claimed £4,165.73 in benefits from Gedling Borough Council she was not entitled to.

Stapleton failed to declare she was receiving an occupational pension from Notts County Council from August 2005.

Nottingham Magistrates’ Court heard she had been under financial strain since being forced to retire from work as a care worker through ill health.

Stapleton admitted failing to declare a change in her circumstances she knew would affect her benefit and submitting a review form to the council she knew to be false.

Her actions resulted in an overpayment of £3,192.08 Housing Benefit and £973.65 Council Tax Benefit, which she must now repay to the council.

She received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £300 costs.