This was not the first case of fraud, as Ms Wilson had previously been convicted to illegally claiming benefits in 2014.
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A woman has been found guilty of fraud, after continuing her mother’s pension after her death.
Between 2009-2017, Hillary Wilson allowed £77,000 of her mother’s pension money to continue to be paid into their join bank account, despite her mother’s death in 2009.
She was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
This was not the first case of fraud, as Ms Wilson had previously been convicted to illegally claiming benefits in 2014.
The defence asked the judge to show restraint in his sentencing due to defendant’s family circumstances.
The court heard that in the eight years since the death of Ms Wilson’s mother, her father also died, followed by her husband, who was a long time drug addict whom she had cared for.
The defence told the court that she additionally has two children who are highly dependent on her, including a 10-year-old who suffers from blackouts and behavioural issues and a 24-year-old daughter who is partially blind and disabled after suffering from type 1 diabetes.
Judge Darling made it clear given the dishonesty that lasted for a very long time, he was obliged to impose a custodial sentence but decided not to make it immediate, primarily due to the implications this would impose on her children.
She must now carry out 120 hours or unpaid work and 15 days of a rehabilitative training program.
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HeadlineWidowed mother convicted of fraud for receiving £77,000 of her dead mother’s pension
Short HeadlineWidowed mother of two guilty of pension fraud
StandfirstThis was not her first case of fraud, as she had previously been convicted to illegally claiming benefits in 2014.
Hillary Wilson continued to receive her mothers pension money for 8 years after her death. However, the Judge issued a lighter sentence due to her tragic family circumstances and her decision to plead guilty when charged.
At the Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday, Ms Wilson and her family cried tears of relief when she was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years. Between 2009-2017, Hillary Wilson allowed £77,000 of her mothers pension money to continue to be paid into their join bank account, despite her mothers death in 2009.
This was not her first fraud, as she had previously been convicted to illegally claiming benefits in 2014. However, the defence asked Judge Darling to show restraint in his sentencing due to her family circumstances since her mothers death. The Barrister told the courts that between these 8 years, Ms Wilson’s father had died followed by her husband, a long time drug addict whom she had cared for. She additionally has two children who are highly dependent on her. A 10 year old who has suffered from black outs and behavioural issues as a result of this traumatic family history. The oldest daughter is 24 years old and relies on her mother as her full time carer due to her type 1 diabetes, leaving her partially blind and disabled.
Judge Darling made it clear given the dishonesty that lasted for a very long time, he was obliged to impose a custodial sentence but decided not to make it immediate, primarily due to the implications this would impose on her children. She must now carry out 120 hours or unpaid work and 15 days of a rehabilitative training program.
A woman has been found guilty of fraud, after continuing her mother’s pension after her death.
Between 2009-2017, Hillary Wilson allowed £77,000 of her mother’s pension money to continue to be paid into their join bank account, despite her mother’s death in 2009.
She was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.
This was not the first case of fraud, as Ms Wilson had previously been convicted to illegally claiming benefits in 2014.
The defence asked the judge to show restraint in his sentencing due to defendant’s family circumstances.
The court heard that in the eight years since the death of Ms Wilson’s mother, her father also died, followed by her husband, who was a long time drug addict whom she had cared for.
The defence told the court that she additionally has two children who are highly dependent on her, including a 10-year-old who suffers from blackouts and behavioural issues and a 24-year-old daughter who is partially blind and disabled after suffering from type 1 diabetes.
Judge Darling made it clear given the dishonesty that lasted for a very long time, he was obliged to impose a custodial sentence but decided not to make it immediate, primarily due to the implications this would impose on her children.
She must now carry out 120 hours or unpaid work and 15 days of a rehabilitative training program.
