Crime Solicitors

A benefit fraudster from Wigan, that fooled authorities by illegitimately claiming thousands of pounds over a two-year period, has been ordered to pay back in excess of £25,000 or face a 12-month jail term.

Denise Dyson of Newland Avenue, Pemberton, was finally caught out earlier this year after a joint effort by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Wigan Council Officers unearthed her scamming activities. After appearing before Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday, Mrs Dyson must now pay back the sum of her ill-gotten gains within six months or face jail.

The court heard that Dyson's husband, who she is now estranged from, is also subject to a court order following a separate criminal trial. Terrence Dyson was handed a suspended sentence in June after stealing goods worth over £24,000 from a Wigan company. However, he will now have his payback time extended to run concurrently with his wife whilst they attempt to sell their home.

Mrs Dyson has a history of fraudulent offences after illegitimately claiming £22,000 between 2006 and 2011 for income support as a single occupant. She was jailed for nine months but was released in July after serving just two months of that sentence.

“When people receive benefits from us they enter into a contract to tell us of any change in their circumstances. Deliberately not doing so is a crime and takes valuable funds from those who need them the most,” a DWP spokesperson concluded.

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.