Woman jailed for ACC fraud

A woman has been jailed for five months after pocketing the money paid to her by ACC to install a ramp at her home.

Athleen June Barlow appeared in Whanganui District Court this week on charges under the Accident Compensation Act.

Ms Barlow injured her leg in a motor vehicle accident in 2007 and, after being discharged from hospital, needed to use a wheelchair.

ACC assessed her Northland home and decided she needed hand rails, a ramp and improvements to her driveway to help her get into her home. Ms Barlow supplied quotes from businesses for the work and said the work on the house, near Whangarei, had been completed.

However, an investigation revealed that the work had not been carried out and the defendant had kept the money for the home improvements - $12,328 in total - for her personal use.

Ms Barlow pleaded guilty to the ACC charges. The judge awarded full reparation and a five month jail sentence.

ACC General Manager Claims Management Denise Cosgrove welcomed the successful prosecution.

"It leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of all levy payers when we hear that ACC funds, that should be used for rehabilitation services and equipment, are being pocketed for personal use.

“People that defraud ACC are stealing money from all New Zealanders and they will not get away with it. Our investigations’ unit will find them and investigate them," she said.

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