While doubts emerge about husband's death
Nelli Kellaway, the woman who used benefits swindled from Hammersmith and Fulham Council to have her breasts enlarged has escaped a prison sentence.
Kellaway, 41 pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering at Kingston Crown Court and on Friday, January 15 was given a 24 week suspended sentence with an 18 month supervision order and 40 hours' unpaid work.
Kellaway swindled £57,000 of housing and council tax benefit from Hammersmith & Fulham Council. Evidence seized by council officers suggests that she travelled to Russia and blew the money on cosmetic dentistry and plastic surgery, including breast enlargements for herself and her daughter, Natalia, 24. Natalia however has denied she has had surgery.
Kellaway's husband Steven, 51, also went to Russia but Kellaway claimed he died during the trip. Her arrest came in 2008 on the day that she flew back to the UK with an urn, said to contain Steven’s cremated remains.
Kellaway’s lawyer Kevin Baumber claimed her husband was behind the scam. He said: " Mrs Kellaway was vulnerable. She was in an abusive relationship. He was a heavily manipulative man."
The prosecution said investigations had been carried out to determine whether he had actually died or not, and lawyer Mark Himsworth added: " As far as we know, he’s not in this country."
Speaking about the case, Cllr Greg Smith, Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s Cabinet Member for Crime and Street Scene, said: " I have seen some brazen benefits cheats in my time but Mrs Kellaway is out there. Benefits are for the needy – not those in need of a buxom bosom."
January 18, 2010