Woman told to repay benefit cash

A WOMAN has been given a curfew order and told to repay almost 3,500 she falsely claimed in benefits.

Tracy Copsey, 38, of Milner Road, Bridlington, admitted benefit fraud when she appeared at Bridlington Magistrates’ Court.

She was ordered to wear an electronic tag to ensure she complies with a 28-day curfew, during which she must stay at home between 9pm and 6am. Copsey was told to repay the 3,472.06 she fraudulently claimed and 345 costs.

She began claiming benefit in October 2008, when she declared she was single and her only income was her job seekers’ allowance. But she failed to report a change in her circumstances when she started work and also started to receive tax credits.

An investigation by East Riding Council found her job seekers’ allowance had ended in April 2009.

Andy Hardy, fraud investigation and enforcement manager at the council, said: “Potential fraudsters should be aware that if they make a false claim for benefit or fail to notify the council when their circumstances change, then they run the risk of being brought before the courts and receiving a criminal record.”