Couple accused of £60k fraud by moving government money into their own accounts

A Blackpool couple who both worked for the Department of Work and Pensions have appeared at court accused of defrauding the Government of £60,000.
By Paul Berentzen
Published 27th Dec 2020, 10:30 BST
Updated 27th Dec 2020, 10:34 BST
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Joanne Stephenson, 50, and Stephen Taylor, 46, both of Kingscote Drive, Layton, were sent for trial at Preston Crown Court by Blackpool Magistrates.

DWP administrative officer Stephenson is accused of money laundering money allegedly criminally moved from the department into Taylor's bank and building society accounts.

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She is further charged with fraud whilst working for the DWP disabled living allowance team by diverting money into her own accounts.

The couple are accused of a £60,000 fraud against the DWP over a six-month periodThe couple are accused of a £60,000 fraud against the DWP over a six-month period
The couple are accused of a £60,000 fraud against the DWP over a six-month period

DWP executive officer Taylor is also charged with fraud in respect of money diverted into bank and building society accounts.

He faces a second allegation of being concerned with Stephenson acted against the financial interests of the DWP by using his position to fraudulently diverting disabled living allowance payments.

The couple were bailed until they appear at the higher court on January 20.

The offences are said to have taken place over a six-month period until September 2019.

No pleas were entered by their lawyer Steven Townley.