Mrs Maxine Toulson, a lone parent of Hucknall, appeared before Mansfield Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 1st September 2010 and pleaded guilty to six offences of benefit fraud together with one of failing in duty of care relating to the disposal of rubbish.

Mrs Toulson had claimed over £10,000 in housing and council tax benefit whilst working in remunerative employment and had failed to declare this to Ashfield District Council.

The evidence of this came to light after a Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer from Ashfield District Council found discarded bin bags containing incriminating evidence, in the field at the rear of her property. 

This information was passed on to the Benefit Fraud Section who investigated the allegation and interviewed Mrs Toulson in conjunction with the Enforcement Section.

The case was adjourned until Wednesday, 8th September, for reports to be obtained prior to sentencing. After the guilty pleading, she received a 12 months Community Supervision Order with £100 costs. With a plea of guilty for a failure in the duty of care relating to rubbish disposal, she was fined £250 plus £150 costs and a £15 Victim Surcharge.

Had the officer not reported his suspicions, Mrs Toulson may have continued to defraud the benefits system for some time. This case shows that the various Council services work closely together and will actively prosecute offenders.

Councillor John Wilmott, Deputy Leader of Ashfield District Council said: “The teams within the Council work very closely and efficiently together. The Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer who reported the details through to the Benefit Fraud Section has saved thousands of pounds of tax payer’s money.”