Carer stole ID in benefit fraud

A disabled social worker who claimed more than £25,000 in benefits to spend on cosmetic surgery and holidays has been dismissed from the profession.

Julie Andrews, 44, who has arthritis, stole the identity of a woman she interviewed to be a carer, the General Social Care Council heard. She pretended to hire Kathleen Summerfield to pocket the £200-a-week carer's allowance for two and a half years and £1,400 for travel costs.

Andrews, of Chelmsford, was jailed for 15 months for fraud at Chelmsford crown court.