Greenwich woman ordered to repay £4,177 after imaginary carer fraud

Tracy Stratton, 57, from Mottingham, pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud for dishonestly applying for social care payments from Greenwich Council. She claimed she depended on carers for all personal care needs, including getting out of bed and bathing. Stratton received £4,177 from the council between August 2019 and February 2020.

Imaginary Carer Investigation

Timesheets submitted by Stratton to the council stated that a carer named Regan O’Connor attended her Beaconsfield Road home for two hours each day. However, an investigation revealed that Regan O’Connor did not exist. Stratton had submitted timesheets with fake signatures. During the investigation period, Stratton was observed to be independently mobile and capable of travelling and shopping.

Judge Anya Lewis KC told Stratton: “There is no Regan O’Connor. This was a false name you yourself had used on occasions.” The judge noted that Stratton claimed this carer attended every day with a timesheet totalling £4,177.84.

Sentence and Repayment Order

At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, September 4, Stratton was sentenced to a two-year community order. Judge Lewis KC ordered Stratton to repay the full amount of £4,177.84 to Greenwich Council. Stratton was also ordered to pay £800 towards the costs of prosecuting her.

In mitigation, the court heard that Stratton’s health picture is described as “complex” and she expressed shame for her behaviour. As reported by News Shopper, Stratton was found to be independently mobile and capable of travelling and shopping during the period of the fraud.