A TRIAL will take place next year of a Frome woman accused of fraudulently receiving more than £114,000 of another person’s Universal Credit payments.
Toni Ellis, aged 53, of Randolph Road, was said to have diverted the man’s benefits to her own bank account.
Ellis, who was represented by barrister Patrick Mason, appeared in Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday, November 10, and pleaded not guilty to two charges.
Prosecuting barrister James Tucker told the court Ellis was alleged to have dishonestly led the Department for Work and Pensions to believe she was authorised to divert the man’s Universal Credit payments.
Mr Tucker said the allegation was that Ellis knew the statement to be untrue or misleading and that she made it intending to make a gain for herself or another.
The fraud was said to have totalled £114,401.14 over a period of nearly seven years from June 1, 2016, to May 15, 2023, equivalent to about £16,300 per year.
Mr Recorder David Chidgey adjourned the proceedings for a trial to be held on March 8 next year, which he said was estimated to last for one day.
Ellis was remanded on unconditional bail to appear again on that date.