A WOMAN who applied to buy a Solihull council property has been found guilty of fraud by false representation.
Donna Pring was found guilty by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court and will be sentenced on December 13 following pre-sentencing reports.
Ms Pring was a Solihull Community Housing tenant and applied to purchase the property through the Right to Buy scheme in January 2016.
However, an investigation by Solihull Council’s Fraud Team discovered she was not living in the property at the time.
Solihull council said if the investigation had not been carried out, Ms Pring would have received a discount of approximately £44,000.
Councillor Robert Hulland, cabinet member for resources and delivering value, said: “We are delighted that Ms Pring has been found guilty after what has been a very lengthy investigation.
“There are thousands of people waiting for a Council property in the borough, so I’m pleased that we were able to uncover Ms Pring’s unacceptable actions and re-let the property to a family in need.
“I hope it sends a strong message to people that fraud is not tolerated in Solihull and we will pursue those who choose to cheat the system.”
