‘That’s partially correct, but unfortunately they are adding another charge to the list. Both Mrs Foley’s state and private pensions were paid into a jointly held bank account, is that correct?’
‘Yes, we used it to pay the bills.’
‘When you failed to officially declare your wife’s death, her pensions continued being paid into that account. So, to both the state and private pension providers, it looks like you’ve used your wife’s death as an opportunity to make financial gains.’
‘I didn’t!’ protested Arthur. ‘My pensions also go into that account so it’s my money I’ve been spending, not June’s.’
‘Are you able to prove that?’
‘Well, no, but I wasn’t trying to deliberately defraud anyone. I’ll happily repay all their money. I can do it today.’
‘I believe you, Mr Foley, but unfortunately the CPS has decided it has a case against you.’
Arthur shook his head, his breaths becoming swifter and shallower. He removed his inhaler from his pocket and took several puffs.
‘This doesn’t make any sense,’ he continued. ‘I’ve never broken the law in my life. I’m seventy-five and I don’t have so much as a parking ticket against my name.’
‘Unfortunately, that is of no consequence. One of the Government’s election campaign pledges was to crack down on anyone defrauding the system. I’m afraid you have been caught in a grey area.’
Arthur couldn’t prevent his eyes from welling.
‘Please try not to upset yourself.’ Mr Warner passed him a box of tissues from the table. ‘Between you and I – and this is just speculation – but I believe they are trying to make an example of you.’
‘Why?’
‘For you and your wife not signing up to their voluntary euthanasia plan when you upgraded your marriage.’
‘But June and I promised we’d be there for each other in sickness and in health.’
‘But in doing so, and in you claiming carer’s benefits and her pension, they see you both as a drain on resources. It’s why the “in sickness” part was withdrawn from the upgraded marriage vows. If others see the consequences of not agreeing to tick that box and end a terminally ill loved one’s life early, they’re more likely to agree.’
‘So what happens now?’
‘First you’ll be charged with Fraud by Misrepresentation and then with Prevention of the Lawful and Decent Burial of a Body. Of course, it’s up to you to decide how to plead but we can discuss that at a later date. It’s my job to make it clear to the court that what you did was not a greedy or malicious act and that you were mentally impaired with grief over Jane’s loss.’
‘June,’ Arthur snapped. ‘Her name is June.’
Mr Warner closed his eyes and held his hands up. ‘My apologies. June.’
‘What if they don’t believe me? How much will I be fined?’
‘I’m afraid there is the potential for a custodial sentence if found guilty.’
Arthur’s face paled. He must have misheard. First his wife had been taken from him and now his freedom was at risk. Mr Warner made his way to the corner of the room, opened a refrigerator and returned with a bottle of water. He unscrewed the cap and handed the drink and a glass to his client. Arthur took several gulps.
‘Mr Foley,’ Mr Warner began tentatively. ‘Arthur. There is one route we might be able to take to prove to the court that you want to make amends for this oversight.’
‘Which is?’
‘Your relationship status remains widowed, I assume?’
‘Of course.’
‘If you were to perhaps consider signing up to a Government-approved repatriation programme, the court would likely take that into account when sentencing.’
‘Repatriation?’
‘There are several sanctioned websites designed for men and women in your situation to meet others in similar positions. Single people.’
