Housing Benefit Cheat Sentenced

Hendon Magistrates Court

A benefit cheat enjoyed over two years of rent-free living when swindling in excess of £30,000 in housing benefit while holding down secret employment.

Rhodora Sastrillo, 40, of Grange House, Harlesden Road, Harlesden did not declare she had commenced paid work.

She pleaded guilty at Hendon Magistrates Court that between April 1, 2013 and July 26, 2015 she dishonestly failed to notify a change of circumstances effecting entitlemtn to a social security benefit.

The total loss was £31,548.43.

Sastrillo was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge.

No compensation was ordered because there is a voluntary arrangement in place to repay the money.

The court ordered no costs due to Sastrillo's lack of means, but she must pay a £15 victim surcharge.