Ellesmere Port woman sentenced for £24,000 benefit fraud

Kim Pamela Borowski failed to notify authorities that her partner was in work

2 March 2012

A 28-year-old woman from Ellesmere Port has appeared at Chester Magistrates Court where she pleaded guilty to benefit fraud totalling more than £24,000.

Kim Pamela Borowski, of 48 Ferguson Avenue, Ellesmere Port and formerly of 7 Durham Court, pleaded guilty to three offences of failing to declare changes in her circumstances to Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Department for Work and Pensions that she knew would affect her entitlement to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support.

Namely she failed to declare she was living with her partner who was in work and in a position to financially support her.

Miss Borowski was overpaid a total of £24,678.85, a substantial loss to public funds.

The court sentenced Miss Borowski to 12 weeks imprisonment for each offence, to run concurrently, suspended for 2 years on condition she completes 250 hours unpaid work within the community. She was also ordered to pay £85 towards the prosecution costs.

Miss Borowski is also required to fully repay the overpaid benefit to Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

If you think someone you know is claiming benefit they are not entitled to, you can report your suspicions on 0300 123 7030 or alternatively via the Benefit Fraud page.

You can also e-mail your suspicions to fraud@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk. All information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.