A 32-year-old Hapton resident has admitted to fraudulently obtaining nearly £11,000 in housing benefits.
Sadie Hart appeared before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, where she entered a guilty plea to dishonestly withholding information from authorities with the intention of financial gain.
The fraud occurred between June 2022 and June 2024, during which time Hart wrongfully received £10,931 in housing cost payments.
The Manchester Road resident had been legitimately claiming Universal Credit, which incorporated housing support for her former Clayton-le-Moors residence.
However, after vacating the property, Hart failed to inform the Department for Work & Pensions about this significant change in her living arrangements, allowing the housing element of her benefits to continue flowing into her account.
Prosecutor Kate Moore told the court that Hart had continued collecting the housing allowance despite no longer residing at the Clayton-le-Moors address.
“She left the property without telling the authorities and continued to receive the housing allowance,” Miss Moore stated.
Sadie Hart entered a guilty plea at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court
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During her interview with investigators, Hart acknowledged her awareness of the proper procedures.
“When she was interviewed, she said she knew she should have reported the change in circumstances,” the prosecutor explained to the court.
The defendant’s admission of guilt covered the entire 24-month period during which she improperly collected housing support payments.
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Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order on Hart, incorporating 60 hours of unpaid work and a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Additional financial penalties included £85 in court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Defence solicitor Aamir Sial informed the court that his client had already begun making restitution to the DWP.
“She is now repaying the money,” Mr Sial confirmed to the magistrates.
Defence counsel Aamir Sial revealed that domestic violence had prompted Hart’s departure from the Clayton-le-Moors property.
“She accepts she went to another property and failed to inform the DWP,” Mr Sial told the court.