The fraud took place between 2017 and 2023, and involved direct payment funds from Hertfordshire County Council's children's services, resulting in the authority losing £681,597. Nick Jennings, head of the Shared Anti-Fraud Service at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "Fraud against public services diverts vital resources away from those who need them most. "This successful prosecution demonstrates our commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring that those involved in fraudulent activity are held accountable for their actions. An investigation by the councils Shared Anti-Fraud Service found that Beauchamp played a "significant role" in concealing and transferring the funds through her bank account. Hertfordshire County Council and the Shared Anti-Fraud Service have declined to comment further while legal proceedings continue.