Council tax fraudster convicted

A police detective has been convicted of benefit fraud.

It’s following an investigation and prosecution by Wealden District Council.

Karen Colbran, a serving officer at Sussex Police and based at Hailsham, was convicted by a jury at Lewes Crown Court last week. She will be sentenced in March.

Investigators in the council’s counter fraud team said Ms Colbran fraudulently claimed more than £3,000 in single person council tax reduction payments over a 10 year period – by telling the council she lived alone despite her long term partner living with her.

Councillor Ray Cade, the council’s portfolio holder for housing and benefits, said, “The defendant fraudulently claimed thousands of pounds of council taxpayers’ money, which is totally unacceptable.” “Wealden council’s fraud investigations team is committed to bringing benefit cheats to justice and will pursue those who fraudulently take money from the public purse.”

“It is the claimant’s responsibility to ensure the application is accurate and truthful along with notifying the council of any changes in their personal circumstances.”