Social Worker Sentenced for £17,668 Fraud Across Three Councils

Beatrice Eduah, a 42-year-old agency social worker, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position after working full-time simultaneously for Suffolk County Council and two other local authorities, including Peterborough City Council, between June and November 2023. She submitted timesheets claiming the same hours across all three roles without disclosing her concurrent employment, and lied to her line manager about unpaid leave, including fabricating a family member's death. Following an investigation triggered by a recruitment agency's concerns, Eduah was ordered by Cambridge Crown Court to repay Suffolk County Council £17,668.53. Her sentencing was deferred until February 2026, during which she must secure paid work and set aside earnings to repay the council, or provide proof of job applications and rejections, with the court warning against AI-generated documents. Separately, Sarah Richards denies allegations of council tax benefit fraud after allegedly receiving over £8,500 in discounts to which she was not entitled by failing to disclose employment details to Breckland Council. Both cases highlight ongoing scrutiny and legal actions addressing fraudulent activities involving local government employees and benefits claims.