Ex-Selby policewoman admits cancer fraud (From York Press)

Ex-Selby policewoman admits cancer fraud

5:04pm Monday 14th May 2012 in Selby & Tadcaster By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

A FORMER police officer whose colleagues had whiprounds after she lied that 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 in the Selby district, 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, of South Elmsall, West Yorks, pleaded guilty in court today to one charge of misconduct in a public office between January 2009 and October 2011 and one charge of fraud.

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.

At her plea hearing, Hewitt spoke only to confirm her name and to answer the charges during the 15-minute hearing.

She denied a further charge of fraud relating to a request for a career break to look after her daughter, which the prosecution confirmed would not be proceeded with.

Hewitt was released on unconditional bail to return on June 6 for sentence.