She lied and she stole. She ripped off taxpayers by more than $42,000. And it wasn't her first time.
The Bay of Plenty Times yesterday revealed how Tauranga woman Leanne Hardy cheated the social welfare system three times over the past decade.
Hardy told officials she was separated from her husband so she
could continue to receive benefits. It was revealed in court that Hardy had a previous conviction for a similar benefit fraud in 2002, for stealing $13,995.86. She also received a warning letter for $10,545.22 of benefit fraud in 2004/05.
What is wrong with our social welfare system that it allows such behaviour to continue for nearly a decade?
Hardy could have faced up to seven years in prison - but instead she was sentenced to eight months' home detention.
And, once again, she is receiving a benefit.
Hardy will continue to live off taxpayer money as she attempts to pay back her debt, which could take years.
It simply does not make sense that hard-working Kiwis are forced to support her while she repays the money she stole from them in the first place.
One offence was bad enough, but to allow Hardy to repeatedly get away with this blatant theft shows serious flaws in our social welfare system.
This convicted thief should have been banned years ago from ever receiving a benefit and should be made to earn her own money to repay her debt.
Allowing Hardy to continue to receive a benefit after abusing the system three times only encourages her deceptive lifestyle to continue.
And this case is probably just the tip of the iceberg. How many other beneficiaries are taking advantage of our welfare system?
Beneficiaries must be sent a clear message that cheating the system will not be tolerated.
Those who do rip off their fellow New Zealanders must not receive a cent more in welfare.
