Executor of will abuses role

A woman who was the executor of her parents' will has abused her position by claiming benefits and hiding that she had received an inheritance of almost £80,000.

The Evening Chronicle reported that Lynda Carrier applied for housing benefit, council tax relief and income support lawfully in 1999, as her husband was in jail, she lived alone and she could not work due to depression.

However, Ms Carrier, of Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle, did not reveal that she had put her £77,133 inheritance in a Lloyds TSB account or that she had £25,000 of premium bonds.

Susan Hirst, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "In contrast to the picture she was painting to the various benefit agencies the defendant was, in fact, a very wealthy woman."

Ms Carrier was given a six-month suspended jail term and is now paying back the benefits.

Last month, another individual, Peter Clarke, was jailed for four months after claiming benefits despite receiving an inheritance payout, the St Helen's Star reported.

Published by Hannah Carr