Avril Hebron was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court

by Keith Hunt

A mother-of-four who cheated the benefits system out of more than £17,500 was told she "richly deserved" to be sent to prison.

But a judge said the proper way of dealing with Avril Hebron, 44, was to make her put something back into society with some hard work.

Judge Philip Statman dismissed a recommendation of 40 hours' unpaid work as "derisory" - and imposed 100 hours.

Hebron, of Melville Court, Chatham, admitted failing to notify a change of circumstances by not declaring that her former partner Robert Marks was back living with her.

Alex Balancy, prosecuting, said the total benefit fraud was about £17,544 - £5,706 in housing benefit, £824 in council tax and £11,013 in income support in just over a year.

It was not a fraudulent claim from the outset, but a legitimate one that "went bad".

Hebron, who has learning difficulties, claimed benefit on the basis she was living alone with her children.

"she has been for many jobs but when she tells them she can't read and her spelling is not very clever they don’t want to know…” – simon wickens, defending

But it was discovered in 2009 that Mr Marks was also living at the address.
He was also charged with benefit offences, but they were dropped after Hebron pleaded guilty.

"There is a civil debt still outstanding, because the total amount is £99,786 in relation to housing benefit," said Mr Balancy.

But he did not elaborate further after the judge said he was only concerned with the offences before the court.

Simon Wickens, defending, said a bizarre aspect of the case was that Hebron and Mr Marks could have each made a claim much earlier and avoided court.

Hebron, who is making repayments, had no luxuries and the money went on looking after her family.

"They don't have a car and they haven't had a holiday," said Mr Wickens. "She doesn't even have a passport. She was in a dire situation.

"She fully welcomes the prospect of work with open arms. She has been for many jobs but when she tells them she can't read and her spelling is not very clever they don’t want to know."

Judge Statman told Hebron: "No one is suggesting you are anything other than a good mother to your children. It is clear it would not be right and proper to send you to prison."