Crime Solicitors

A benefits cheat from Cambridge has received a suspended jail sentence after illegitimately claiming council housing benefit despite building a substantial property portfolio in her hometown and Bulgaria.

Zoe Shipp, from Cottenham, failed to notify authorities about the fact that she had purchased a €30,000 property in Eastern Europe and other changes of circumstances, meaning she was overpaid a five-figure sum in council tax benefit, income support and housing benefit between 2006 and 2010.

The 46-year-old was sentenced to six months in jail at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, though it will be suspended for two years because she is currently the carer of her partner, Christopher Glover, who has mental health problems including severe anxiety. She was also ordered to pay £3,000 on costs after admitting 12 counts of dishonesty.

Benefit fraud investigators exposed Shipp last year when they found that she had a Mercedes valued at 4,500 and a £14,000 bank balance. The court heard that the sentence had been more lenient as she was of “previous good character” and had already paid back the £30,000 sum she received.

Cllr Simon Edwards said: “I would like to thank the police for their assistance in helping us bring her to book and I hope this sends a clear message to others that fraudsters will be caught and punished.”

Duncan Lewis' crime department includes a team of expert fraud solicitors with extensive experience in areas such as tax and benefit fraud, corruption and advance fee fraud. No matter how big or small your problem, we will find a quick and easy solution.