A woman has been jailed for pocketing more than $12,000 of ACC payments that were supposed to be used for installing a ramp and handrails in her home.
Athleen June Barlow pleaded guilty to ACC charges when she appeared in Whanganui District Court this week.
The court was told that
Barlow needed a wheelchair after injuring her leg in a car crash in 2007, and ACC decided she needed hand rails, a ramp and improvements to her driveway to help get into her home.
Ms Barlow supplied quotes from businesses and said the work on the house had been completed.
However, an investigation revealed the work had not been carried out and Barlow had kept the $12,328 for personal use.
She was sentenced to five months jail and ordered to pay back all the money.
ACC general manager claims management Denise Cosgrove said the case showed that people who defrauded ACC would not get away with it.
"It leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of all levy payers when we hear that ACC funds, that should be used for rehabilitation services and equipment, are being pocketed for personal use."
- NZPA
