A Derby woman has avoided an immediate prison sentence after admitting to fraudulently claiming more than £14,000 in Personal Independence Payments (PIP) while residing in Greece. Dawna Bird, 66, of Alvaston, pleaded guilty to fraud at Derby Crown Court on Tuesday, June 30, on what was scheduled to be the first day of her trial.
Details of the Fraud
Prosecutor Stefan Fox told the court that Bird's PIP claim began in February 2019. PIP is a benefit intended to help with extra living costs for individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities who have difficulty with daily tasks or mobility. As part of her claim, Bird was explicitly required to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) whenever she left the UK for more than 28 days, as such absences could affect her entitlement.
However, between 2019 and 2023, Bird spent more than 1,000 days living in Greece, according to court evidence. She failed to inform the DWP of her extended stays abroad. Investigators uncovered Facebook posts in which Bird advertised her services as a childminder while in Greece and expressed plans to move abroad.
Court Proceedings
Judge Shaun Smith KC imposed a five-month custodial sentence, suspended for one year. He told Bird: "The evidence was pretty overwhelming and in the end you have seen sense. You are now paying the money back in smaller amounts."
Bird's husband, Harry Bird, had previously admitted to fraudulently claiming approximately £70,000 in additional payments. He received a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years.
Repayment and Previous Convictions
Bird is now repaying the £14,000 through deductions from her benefits. Her barrister, Dan Scothern, stated: "The claim was initially legitimate and Mrs Bird is now having the funds removed at source to repay the sum." The court also heard that Bird has previous convictions for theft and handling stolen goods dating back to the 1980s.
Bird returned to the UK in August 2023 and was invited for a voluntary interview, during which she denied living abroad. However, the evidence against her was compelling, leading to her guilty plea.
