Pennar: Woman fiddled £27k in benefits by pretending her husband had left her

Published

10 years ago

May 22, 2015

A PENNAR woman fiddled more than £27,000 in benefits by pretending her husband had left her, a judge was told on Friday (May 22).

Paula Mary Pearce, aged 44, had supposed to tell the Department for Work and Pensions id her financial situation changed.

But she failed to notify them that her husband, Martyn Tegerdine, had moved back in and was helping to pay household bills.

Pearce, of 9 River View, Stranraer Road, admitted benefit fraud between 2011 and 2014 and wrongly receiving income support, housing benefit and council tax relief.

She was sentenced to 27 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. Swansea Crown Court heard the overpayments were being recouped out of the benefits she currently received.

Nuhu Gobir, prosecuting, said the DWP became aware the Mr Tegerdine was working for Balfour Beatty and had registered his address as the same as Pearce’s.

His bank account was also registered at the same address and the tv licence was in his name.

During an interview with DWP officers Pearce denied he had moved back in but admitted he had stayed for a while when she had been unwell.

Her barrister, Carina Hughes, said the couple had separated many years ago but had not got divorced.

Judge Huw Davies said he had to reflect the public’s view of benefits fraud by passing a custodial sentence, albeit a suspended one.

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4 Comments

Welshman23

May 23, 2015 at 7:53 am

at the same court this week a guy converted his car to a police car with a blue light and was sentenced to 2 years in jail. Justice system needs an overhaul. If you fiddle money should be. Custodial sentence and you pay the money back every single penny.
MakingSense

May 26, 2015 at 1:38 pm

The guy didn’t get 2 years in jail just for putting a light on top of his car, there was far more to it than that
MakingSense

May 26, 2015 at 1:39 pm

but you are right, far too many cases like this fraudster get away with a slap on the wrist
Isitanywonder

May 26, 2015 at 3:07 pm

The poorest in society lie and cheat to get money and they are prosecuted, given criminal records (thereby lessening their chance of getting decent paid work) and the people are braying for blood.

When the rich do it, they are given bonus’ worth 150% of their already over-inflated incomes.

I don’t agree with what she did, she needs to sort her life out, but I sincerely wish the people of this country would stop blaming the poor for the state this country is in. The profit-greedy bankers have f**ked us, not the people who already have nothing!!

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

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15 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

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Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

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1 day ago

November 21, 2024

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Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

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Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

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November 21, 2024

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MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!