Ex-foster mum caught out over £19k fraud

A former foster carer has been ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work following a £19k fraud.

Sonia Bennett, of Holmesdale Road, Selhurst, was also handed an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to a single count of fraud by abuse of position.

The 59-year-old’s fraud came to light following an overpayment of foster care payments amounting to £19,642.70 made in May 2012.

Croydon Crown Court heard she had failed to pay back the money and deliberately transferred it to a third party in an attempt to cover it up.

She was sentenced on Friday, 10 July.

“Any type of fraud is an extremely serious offence but in this case, it is made even worse by the fact this individual abused her position as a foster carer.

“Foster carers provide an invaluable service to young people in care in this borough, and play a key part in the work we do to improve their lives.

“However in this case that trust was abused, and should serve as a clear warning that our investigators will ensure that people like Sonia Bennett are dealt with by the courts.”

Councillor Simon Hall, cabinet member for finance and treasury

2015-07-14T09:36:57+01:00 July 14th, 2015|Recent news|