Woman convicted of fraud issued confiscation order

A woman who was convicted of committing fraud at medical centre has today been issued with a confiscation order to the value of thousands of pounds under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

In July last year Kirsty Whawell was sentenced after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation and six counts of fraud by abuse of position.

Whawell, 40, of Kimberley Street, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.

The court heard that the fraud offences to the value of just under £184,000 were committed between 2013 and 2019 at a medical practice in Kibworth.

Following her conviction in 2021 an application was submitted to the courts to confiscate assets being held in Whawell’s name.  The assets are believed to represent the proceeds from her criminality.

Today (Wednesday 3 May) the court ordered Whawell to pay just over £21,000 under POCA, which will be given to the medical centre as compensation.

DC Neil Edwards of the force’s economic crime unit, said: “Our efforts to stop criminal activity doesn’t just stop at conviction.  The police have the powers to apply to the court to confiscate property or assets believed to be accrued as a result of the defendant’s criminality.

“We are pleased that the court have agreed to grant the confiscation order and if Whawell fails to pay the value of the order she faces an additional custodial sentence.

“We will continue to use this legislation and ensure those who choose to take the path of criminality should not be allowed to benefit from their crimes.”