An Elstree woman has been convicted of benefit fraud totalling more than £1,260.

Julie Bedford, 40, of Beethoven Road, had pleaded not guilty to charges of dishonestly making a false statement under a section of the 1992 Social Security Admin Act 1992.

She was found guilty at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday following a two-day trial.

Bedford had failed to declare more than £50,000 she had made from the sale of a repossessed property she owned in Bushey.

As a result, she received £1,262.82 benefit she was not entitled to between October 2005 and the following January.

She claimed the money had been used to repay a £22,000 loan to a friend, said to be a Miss Rich', who she claimed had given her the money years earlier.

When asked to provide proof of the loan, Bedford submitted a later said to be from the woman, but was unsigned and had no address.

Miss Rich did not attend the trial to confirm Bedford's claims.

Bedford was bailed to be sentenced at a later date.

Councillor John Graham, portfolio holder for finance, said: "Hertsmere has a zero tolerance to fraud.

"We will continue to investigate where we suspect fraudulent activity and take the appropriate action."

8:56am Monday 10th March 2008

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