Benefit fraud mum had £70k in five bank accounts

A mother of three from Bradford who had £70,000 tucked away in five bank accounts has been sentenced to a community order for benefit fraud.

Della Lister, 31, from Eccleshill, pleaded guilty to dishonestly claiming £22,897 in Income Support, Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit by failing to disclose that she had capital over the prescribed limits.

Bradford Crown Court heard this week that Lister, who was of previous good character, had repaid all the money.

David Gordon, prosecuting, said she stated that she had just £200 in the bank when she had £70,442.

In mitigation, the court heard that she had inherited the bulk of the money following the tragic death of her mother when she was only a child.

Lister had worked in a care home but left to care for her grandmother, who had since passed away.

She did not live a lavish lifestyle, the court heard.

She was also very remorseful, the court was told.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, sentenced Lister to a 12-month community order with 250 hours of unpaid work, and a rehabilitation activity requirement.

She must pay £525 court costs.

He said it was a “blatant fraud.”

Lister knew she had money tucked away in the bank, the court was told.

But she was an impeccable mother who would not trouble the courts again, the judge added.

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