Dawna Bird, 66, from Alvaston, Derby, fraudulently claimed more than £14,000 in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) while living in Greece for two years and eight months. She admitted fraud by failing to disclose information to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on the first day of her trial at Derby Crown Court.
Details of the fraud
Bird first claimed PIP in February 2019 and was approved. She was informed she must notify the DWP if she left the UK for more than 28 days, as it affected her entitlement. However, she spent lengthy periods in Greece without informing the authorities, accumulating over 1,000 days abroad. During her time in Greece, she advertised her services as a childminder on Facebook.
Prosecutor Stefan Fox said evidence emerged that Bird was living outside the UK, prompting an investigation. Screenshots from Facebook showed her planning to move abroad, posts from Greece, and advertisements for childminding. Bird returned to the UK in August 2023 and denied living abroad during a voluntary interview.
Court outcome
Judge Shaun Smith KC stated the evidence was overwhelming and noted Bird was repaying the money in small amounts. He handed her a five-month prison sentence, suspended for one year. Her husband, Harry Bird, had already been sentenced for claiming around £70,000 in extra benefits, receiving a nine-month suspended sentence.
Bird’s barrister, Dan Scothern, said the claim was initially legitimate and funds were being removed at source to repay the sum.
