Former policewoman admits cancer fraud (From York Press)

Former policewoman Rachel Hewitt admits cancer fraud

10:11am Tuesday 15th May 2012 in News By Jennifer Bell, Crime reporter

A FORMER police officer whose colleagues held fundraising collections after she told them her daughter was suffering from cancer has admitted fraud and misconduct in a public office.

Rachel Hewitt, 39, who was an officer with North Yorkshire Police and worked in Selby, told her force that her daughter was ill with cancer, had a tumour that needed to be surgically removed and required treatment that necessitated her taking time off work.

Hewitt, pleaded guilty in court yesterday to one charge of misconduct in a public office between January 2009 and October 2011 and one charge of fraud.

She denied a further charge of fraud relating to a request for a career break to look after her daughter.

At an earlier hearing, Hull Crown Court heard that Hewitt had told her colleagues her daughter was ill with leukaemia and that “at various times” they raised money for her.

Simon Batiste, prosecuting, said these pleas were acceptable and said the charge which Hewitt denied will not be proceeded with.

Heidi Cotton, defending, asked Judge Michael Mettyear for the case to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and the judge agreed.

The case was not opened and no further details of the offences were given in court.

Hewitt, of Pontefract, spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas during the 15-minute hearing.

She stood in the dock wearing glasses and a dark trouser suit with her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail.

She was given unconditional bail and told she will be sentenced on June 6.