Diana Giustiniani has been given a prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, at Hove Crown Court for falsely claiming more than £40,000 in council benefits and almost £24,000 in income support.
 
The sentence was nine months for each count (four charges), suspended for 12 months. Each sentence to run concurrently.
 
Ms Giustiniani, of 58 Larkfield Way, Brighton, pleaded guilty to claiming benefits as a single parent whilst living with her partner Charles Toby Eastwood at 56 Ashford Road, Brighton .
 
Mr Eastwood claimed to council investigators that he had never lived with Diana Giustiniani at Ashford Road giving an address in Newcastle Under Lyme as his home. However, further checks revealed no trace of Mr Eastwood at that address.
 
In addition, an investigation into Ms Giustiniani’s claims revealed she held bank accounts in the name of Diana Eastwood and showed that Charles Eastwood had lived at 56 Ashford Road .
 
The police also found documents with the couple’s names on them for a holiday in  Tenerife at the Larkfield Way address.
 
Councillor Trevor Alford, cabinet member responsible for revenue and benefits, said:
“This case is absolutely outrageous and represents a betrayal of all the efforts of the hard working honest people in the community. The game is up for individuals who continue to believe it is ok to deceive the council to falsely claim benefits, they should know they are living on borrowed time. We will track them down, because the money they have put in their own pockets belongs to council taxpayers’ and those that really need benefits in these difficult times.”
 
In September last year, Ms Giustiniani was prosecuted under her other name Eastwood for selling fake Rolex watches and counterfeit Tiffany jewellery at "Tupperware" style parties. She pleaded guilty to eight charges under the Trade Marks Act and was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service.
 
As well as jewellery and watches, she was also selling fake UGG designer boots and other "designer" items with Gucci, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Paul Smith and D & G and GHD labels. It was thought that Ms Eastwood had been running a business for at least a year.
 
The haul, valued at almost £10,000, was discovered by police who called in Brighton & Hove Trading Standards. It included over 100 Tiffany items and Rolex watches which were price listed at £45 each.

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www.brighton-hove.gov.uk