Judge weighs DPB fraudster's good work

Decision: Good works versus bad deeds in a benefit fraud sentencing.

A judge weighed up a fraudster's "community-minded" pursuits versus her lack of remorse before handing down a sentence of community detention.

Kathleen Emily Albrett-Rimene, 43, had previously pleaded guilty to saying she was single on her benefit forms when she was actually married when she applied for the domestic purposes benefit in 2010.

In Masterton District Court on Tuesday, Judge Barbara Morris convicted her of three charges of dishonestly using a document for financial advantage, to the tune of $50,000.

Albrett-Rimene applied for the benefit in September 2010, stating she was single on her application when she was in fact living with her husband.

She submitted review forms in 2012 and 2013, in which she falsely stated again that she was single and did not have a partner, and as a result, continued to receive the benefit.

When she was interviewed in November 2013, she said she was aware of her obligations, but had not advised of her marriage as she and her husband did not live together all the time.

Her lawyer, Virginia Pearson, said she hoped any sentence imposed would allow Albrett-Rimene to continue her voluntary work with young people in the Wairarapa Waka Ama Canoe Club.

"She's incredibly community-minded and she puts a lot back into the community."

Prosecutor for the Ministry of Social Development, Kerry Knowles, asked if community detention was imposed, that it would be at the "higher end" of the scale and that reparation would be paid.

In sentencing Albrett-Rimene, Judge Morris noted that the probation report showed she was at moderate risk of re-offending, and showed no remorse.

In taking money from the ministry, she was taking from a "safety pot for those who truly need it", Judge Morris said.

But the other factor to consider was the good work Albrett-Rimene did for her community, she said.

"There's no question that this is much needed work in the social sector ... it makes little sense to penalise the community by withdrawing you."

She sentenced Albrett-Rimene to 200 hours of community work, six months' community detention, nine months' supervision and ordered her to pay reparations of $1200 at $5 per week.