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Couple own up to five figure benefit fraud
A COUPLE of Blackpool fraudsters have admitted cheating nearly £70,000 of benefits over nine years.
Preston Crown Court heard the loss to the public purse was 66,500.
Anita Osborn, 39, of Livingstone Road, Blackpool,appeared at court and admitted three charges of making a false representation and four of failing to notify a change of circumstance.
Mark Lancaster, 40, of Onslow Road, Layton, pleaded guilty to four charges of producing a false document involving the falsification of a tenancy agreement.
The offences involved housing and council tax benefit, income support and carer's allowances.
Kevin Slack, prosecuting, told the court that Osborn claimed as a single parent in 1997 and married Lancaster in 1998.
The following year Lancaster bought a house on Lyncroft Crescent, Layton, and she claimed benefit as if he was her landlord.
Osborn also received carer's allowance on the basis she was not working.
She failed to notify she had a job as a collection agent for a finance company.
Mr Slack added that the combined overpayment was 80,000.
When interviewed for a second time, Lancaster admitted he knew his partner was claiming benefits and Osborn admitted she was co-habiting and working.
Osborn also admitted possession of heroin and cannabis resin.
Mr Slack said she took the drugs into Wymott prison on August 4 last year.
She said she had received a telephone call saying her stepbrother would be assaulted if she didn't comply.
Judge Edward Slinger adjourned sentence until June 16 for more information to be provided to the court.
Both defendants were bailed.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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