Woman Sentenced for PIP Fraud After Facebook Posts Reveal Overseas Living
A Midlands woman has been sentenced for fraudulently claiming £14,000 in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) while living in Greece, after Facebook screenshots exposed her deception. Dawna Bird, 57, of Branksome Avenue in Alvaston, appeared at Derby Crown Court where she pleaded guilty to fraud on the day her trial was due to start.
Over 1,000 Days Abroad Without Notification
Between 2019 and 2023, Bird spent more than 1,000 days living overseas, primarily in Greece, without notifying the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as required. PIP claimants must inform the DWP if they leave the UK for more than 28 days, as this affects their entitlement.
Prosecutor Stefan Fox told the court: "Evidence came to light that she was living outside the UK and an investigation began. There were periods when she flew to and from Greece and in total was more than 1,000 days during which she was obligated to tell the DWP."
Facebook Evidence and Childminding Advertisements
The investigation was triggered by screenshots from Bird's Facebook account, where she advertised herself as a childminder while residing in Greece. Posts also indicated her plans to move abroad. Upon returning to the UK in August 2023, she was invited for a voluntary interview but denied living overseas.
Judge Shaun Smith KC handed Bird a five-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, stating: "The evidence was pretty overwhelming and in the end you have seen sense. You are now paying the money back in smaller amounts."
Husband Also Convicted in Separate Fraud
Bird's husband, Harry Bird, had previously been sentenced for fraudulently claiming approximately £70,000 in additional payments. He received a nine-month prison term, suspended for two years.
Dan Scothern, Bird's barrister, noted: "The claim was initially legitimate and Mrs Bird is now having the funds removed at source to repay the sum." Bird has prior convictions for theft and handling stolen goods dating back to the 1980s.
