Otago benefit fraudster sentenced

A woman who claimed a benefit while working was 'dishonest and deceitful', the Ministry of Social Development said. File photo

A 60-year-old woman who claimed a benefit while working was "dishonest and deceitful'', the Ministry of Social Development says.

In the Oamaru District Court yesterday, Maureen Ellen Dale was convicted and sentenced to four months' home detention and 120 hours' community work.

She continued to receive benefits while working at Presbyterian Support Services Otago between October 13, 2008 and November 1, 2010.

Judge Michael Crosbie said there was "nothing accidental'' about the case.

"Those who take large amounts of money can expect to be dealt with firmly by the court,'' he said.

Ministry of Social Development head of fraud Mike Smith said after the hearing the sentence on Dale should act as a deterrence against benefit fraud.

"Her actions were dishonest and deceitful - but we caught her, charged her and put her before the courts where she was today sentenced to home detention and community service,'' he said.

"It's important that taxpayers continue to have trust and confidence in the ministry, which is why we work hard to catch fraudsters like Dale.

"Benefit fraudsters do not get away with their offending and Dale is already paying back what she stole.''

The ministry administers more than $16 billion worth of income assistance to more than a million New Zealanders each year.

Fraud represents one-tenth of 1 per cent of this spend.