A Brighton woman has been given a suspended prison sentence for falsely claiming more than £65,000 in benefits.
Diana Giustiniani’s sentence of nine months in prison was suspended for a year by a judge at Hove Crown Court.
Giustiniani, of Larkfield Way, Brighton, was taken to court for falsely claiming more than £40,000 in council benefits and almost £24,000 in income support.
She admitted claiming benefits as a single parent while living with her partner Charles Toby Eastwood in Ashford Road, Brighton.
Councillor Trevor Alford, the Brighton and Hove City Council cabinet member responsible for revenue and benefits, said: “This case is absolutely outrageous and represents a betrayal of all the efforts of the hard working honest people in the community.
“The game is up for individuals who continue to believe it is ok to deceive the council to falsely claim benefits.
“They should know they are living on borrowed time.
“We will track them down because the money they have put in their own pockets belongs to council taxpayers and those that really need benefits in these difficult times.”
In September last year Giustiniani was prosecuted under her other name, Diana Eastwood, for selling fake Rolex watches and counterfeit Tiffany jewellery at Tupperware-style parties.
She pleaded guilty to eight charges under the Trade Marks Act and was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service.
DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ, BENEFITS OFFICE AGAIN PICKING ON SINGLE VUNERABLE LADIES. THEY WASTED YOUR TAX PAYING MONEY ON THIS CASE SHE DIDNT DO THE CRIME.