Benefit fraud publicity

[Shoelover]

I think that's good advice from Caro.

 

If you are prosecuted the council may or may not choose to do a press release - depends on the councils policy. If you are prosecuted then it's in an open court and sometimes reporters go to court to see if there are any interesting cases.

 

If you are just interviewed and maybe get an ad pen then it's confidential & will not be in the press.

 

I suggest you forget about it & cross that bridge if it comes. Unless there is something interesting about your case it probably won't be reported

[Shoelover]

Yes. I am sure your friends & family would rather help you weather the storm than you do something stupid or even know that you faced this alone.

Please tell the interviewer what you have said about how you feel. It won't stop them taking action but it's important they know.

There are people who can help- if you have savings it may well be worth investing a bit if them in legal rep. Solicitors can and do make representations to councils in clients behalf and what they say is often taken into account when making decisions. A solicitor will know if it's worth you submitting medical reports etc.

 

Anyone who claims they have never done anything stupid that they regret in their lives is a liar. Yes you have made a mistake but you can do something to make it better.

 

Chin up, deep breath & ring that solicitor x

[Shoelover]

Well you know that folk here will help. You are very right to make sure that you don't give too much detail & In turn lose your anonymity though.

Take care

[Shoelover]

I'm not going to lie to you & give you false hope.

Firstly, yes paying it back won't stop them taking you to court. However it is taken into account by magistrates when sentencing. First offence - you won't get a prison sentence. Trust me on that

You might not be prosecuted. It being a first offence you might get a conditional discharge. The case may not interest the press and then if won't get reported.

If you get a conditional discharge it becomes spent very quickly.

Your landlord can't evict you because you got prosecuted.

 

You need a solicitor. You really do

 

 

The process time varies from area to area. Our local courts are backed up so that causes delays. As a ball park I'd say it takes 4-6 months.

[Shoelover]

Well consider if you need one if you make it to summons stage.

 

Have a think what you want to say at the IUC- write yourself a list to take along so you don't forget.

 

You made your mistake & now you are dealing with it. You will get through this.

[Shoelover]

If it is reported then there usually is those details. I would estimate that about 25% of the ones that my council prosecute are reported.

[Shoelover]

Yes, I think a Drs letter can only help

[Shoelover]

Well if you get a solicitor they might be able to reassure you that you are unlikely to go to prison.

 

Think positive x

[Shoelover]

National papers AND the news? You probably don't want to give too much information I understand but what had he done to get that?

 

National news has to be either high value or a very very unusual case.

[Shoelover]

£27 k is a lot.. But I have seen people go to prison for much less & not go to prison for more.

 

If you have mitigation you need a solicitor to put that across. Maybe not at interview (the investigator will ask you on tape if you want legal rep at the interview & should advise you that if you decide to go it alone and then change your mind then the interview can be suspended for you to seek legal representation). However if you receive a summons I would strongly advise that you get a solicitor then.

[Shoelover]

I am curious about the ones who have not been prosecuted, is it because there was not much evidence to proceed or if they were guilty what were the reasons they weren't prosecuted? Also do you know if there are any medical conditions that would make prosecution/court unlikely?

Usually very serious ones, and there would be medical reports provided by their solicitor.

[Shoelover]

Hey.. You do have us. You are intelligent & seem like a genuinely nice person. More virtual hugs.

 

And please get that solicitor. X