
A British couple, Tracy and Robert Ashbridge, have been ordered to repay just £2 after defrauding the government of £300,000 by pretending to have 18 children.
The couple, who spent all the money they illicitly obtained, were found guilty of manipulating the tax credit system over several years.
Tracy Ashbridge, an employee of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), orchestrated the scam by applying for benefits for non-existent children and falsely claiming severe disabilities within her family. She exploited her position at HMRC to alter legitimate claimants' details, diverting funds into nine different bank accounts between 2015 and 2019.
On one occasion, she even texted her husband, "Shall we have another child?" to which he replied with concern about managing, only for her to respond, "Not physically, LOL."
The fraudulent activities came to light, leading to Tracy's imprisonment last September.
During a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Newcastle Crown Court in July, it was determined that she had made £305,952 through her crimes. However, due to her lack of assets, she was ordered to repay just £1.
Similarly, her husband Robert, who worked as a chef at a care home, was found to have benefited by £22,385 from the scam but was also ordered to repay just £1 or face seven days in jail. Judge Gavin Doig, who presided over the case, expressed his hope not to see the couple again, stating, "I declare the benefit figure to be £22,385.21 and the available amount is £1.
The confiscation order is in the sum of £1, with seven days imprisonment in default." He added, "I sincerely hope I don't see you again."
Despite their current penalties, the couple could still be required to reimburse the full amount if they come into any future windfall.
A total of £7,614, seized from their home and made up of American dollars and euros, was forfeited at the hearing.
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