More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
An estranged wife has admitted defrauding Kent County Council of more than £7,000 after signing a death grant for her ex-partner's dead father.
Carer Wendy Gibb, of The Green, Sevenoaks, sobbed in the dock at Medway Magistrates' Court as details of her deception were read out to the court.
Prosecutor Jack Triggs told the court how the relationship between Gibb and her husband of 15 years, Roy, had broken down by the beginning of August in 2019 and he had moved out of their home.
Mr Triggs detailed how on August 6 the 44-year-old received a death grant form for £7,298.86, addressed to Mr Gibb, for pension money owed to her father-in-law who had passed away.
The next day the form was completed with a signature for Mr Gibb and the money was transferred into a joint bank account the pair had together.
Magistrates heard how "almost immediately" £7,000 of the money was put into a separate account which only Wendy Gibb could use and had control over.
It was revealed the money was then spent on paying off debts, a holiday and some furniture.
Mr Triggs read from a victim impact statement where Mr Gibb said the ordeal was "upsetting and unexpected".
He continued, adding how he was forced to take out loans to pay for his father's funeral which had now left him in financial troubles and caused him to break down in front of his family.
Defending, solicitor Wayne Crowhurst told the court Gibb was of previous good character and had no previous convictions.
He added in the short time he had with her she was a "delightful woman" who had been left with more than £32,000 of debt, including car and loan repayments, to deal with after her split with Mr Gibb.
The mother was given one of the lowest punishments for the offence.
Gibb was given a 12-month community order where she will have to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, as well as being told to compensate KCC the full £7,298.86.
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