A woman who committed benefit fraud by dishonestly claiming over £14,000 in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) while residing overseas has avoided a prison sentence.
Dawna Bird, aged 66, pleaded guilty to fraud by withholding information at the onset of her trial. According to court proceedings, she failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about her extended stay abroad exceeding 28 days, impacting her PIP eligibility.
During a period of two years and eight months, Bird lived in Greece while unlawfully receiving PIP benefits. Notably, she even promoted her childminding services on Facebook during her time in Greece.
Her husband, Harry Bird, had previously been convicted for unlawfully claiming approximately £70,000 in additional benefits and had received a suspended nine-month prison term over two years.
Bird, a resident of Alvaston, Derby, also escaped imprisonment. Her five-month sentence was suspended for one year by Judge Shaun Smith KC at Derby Crown Court. The judge emphasized the clear evidence against Bird, acknowledging her repayment efforts in installments.
Prosecutor Stefan Fox disclosed that Bird initiated her PIP claim in February 2019 and was duly granted approval. Despite being informed about the obligation to inform the DWP regarding prolonged absences from the UK, she neglected to do so while spending extensive time in Greece.
Fox stated, “Evidence revealed her extended stays outside the UK, prompting an investigation. Records show numerous trips to and from Greece, totaling over 1,000 days when she should have informed the DWP.”
He further added, “Screenshots from her Facebook account indicated plans to move abroad, posts confirming her presence in Greece, and advertisements for childminding services.”
Upon her return to the UK in August 2023, Bird was interviewed voluntarily and denied living abroad despite evidence suggesting otherwise. In defense, her barrister, Dan Scothern, noted the initial legitimacy of her claim and highlighted ongoing deductions from her funds to repay the owed amount.