According to Mail Online, Tracy Ashbridge, a 44-year-old HMRC worker, fraudulently claimed tax credits for non-existent children and fabricated severe disabilities within her family.
Ashbridge, who was jailed last September, also manipulated details of former legitimate claimants to access additional funds.
She once texted her husband, Robert, saying, “Shall we have another child?” To which he replied, “How will we manage?” and she responded, “Not physically, LOL.”
Earning £11,000 a year in her role since 2012, Ashbridge used nine different bank accounts to receive the fraudulent payments between 2015 and 2019. She attempted to claim £434,128 and confessed to six charges of fraud.
During a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Newcastle Crown Court in July, it was found that she gained £305,952 from her crimes. However, due to having no assets, she was ordered to repay only £1.
In a subsequent hearing, Robert Ashbridge, 45, was found to have made £22,385 from his involvement in the scam. With no assets to seize, he was also ordered to repay £1 or face seven days in jail. Robert, a chef at a care home, admitted to one fraud charge and was said to have ‘encouraged’ his wife’s dishonest actions.
The couple, from Plough Road, Sunderland, may be required to repay the stolen funds if they receive any future windfalls. Additionally, £7,614 in American dollars and euros seized from their home was forfeited in today’s hearing.
Judge Gavin Doig stated, “The benefit figure is £22,385.21, and the available amount is £1. The confiscation order is for £1, with seven days imprisonment in default.”
He added, “Mr. Ashbridge has seven days to pay that amount. I order the forfeiture of all cash found at the defendants’ home on March 6, 2019.”
At the end of the hearing, Judge Doig told Ashbridge, “I sincerely hope I don’t see you again.”
