"Homeless" fraudster slapped with fine (From Borehamwood Times)

"Homeless" fraudster slapped with fine

10:10am Sunday 30th September 2012 in News By Anna Slater

A woman who fraudulently claimed she was going to be made homeless has been slapped with a fine.

Joyce Twum-Ankra, of Milby Court, Borehamwood, lied to housing officers at Hertsmere Borough Council and said she had been kicked out of her house in Arundel Drive.

But while investigating the request for housing, council officers discovered the 29-year-old was already living in an Affinity Sutton property with her partner.

The fraudster failed to turn up for a hearing at Watford Magistrates Court on Friday, September 28, but pleaded guilty of false representation by post.

She was fined £260 and ordered to pay £120 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Councillor Seamus Quilty, portfolio holder for housing and economic development, said the council takes housing fraud “very seriously”.

He added: “This case should act as a deterrent to anyone thinking about falsely applying for housing in Hertsmere.”