Benefits fraudster pocketed £14,000 while spending more than 1,000 days in Greece

A woman from Derby has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting she illegally claimed more than £14,000 in disability benefits whilst spending extended periods living abroad.

Dawna Bird, who resides in the Alvaston area, appeared at Derby Crown Court, where she pleaded guilty to fraud on what was scheduled to be the first day of her trial.

The court heard Bird, 66, had been receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) but failed to inform the Department for Work and Pensions about her lengthy stays in Greece, as she was legally required to do whenever she left the UK for more than 28 days.

Between 2019 and 2023, Bird resided overseas for in excess of 1,000 days without fulfilling her obligation to notify authorities, prosecutor Stefan Fox told the court.

During her time in Greece, she even marketed herself as available for childminding work through social media posts on Facebook.

Screenshots from her accounts revealed she had discussed plans to relocate abroad permanently, whilst other posts confirmed her presence in Greece during the period she continued receiving the disability benefit.

PIP is designed to help cover extra living costs for those with long-term health conditions or disabilities who struggle with daily activities or mobility.

Judge Shaun Smith KC handed Bird a five-month custodial term, suspended for 12 months, telling her: "The evidence was pretty overwhelming and in the end you have seen sense. You are now paying the money back in smaller amounts."

The case follows that of her husband, Harry Bird, who had already been through the courts for similar offences.

Mr Fox revealed Harry Bird had fraudulently obtained around £70,000 in additional payments and was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Dawna Bird entered her guilty plea on what had been scheduled as the opening day of her trial.

Bird came back to the UK in August 2023 and was subsequently asked to attend a voluntary interview with investigators.

When confronted with evidence she had spent extensive periods outside the country, she denied that she had been living abroad.

She has previous convictions for theft and handling stolen goods dating back to the 1980s.

Her barrister, Dan Scothern, told the court his client's initial PIP application had been legitimate.

He added Bird is now having money deducted at source to repay the fraudulently obtained sum.