DWP Fraudster Received £80K in Benefits Despite Living with Husband

The Department of Work and Pensions discovered that a woman claimed £81,000 in benefits as a single mother while living with her partner for years. After pleading guilty, she received a 12-month suspended sentence and 80 hours of unpaid work. The Wrexham resident fraudulently obtained income support, tax credits, employment support allowance, and housing benefits from 2014 to 2019. Her deception was uncovered when her wedding photos were found online, leading to charges being pressed in 2019.

The court revealed her living situation with her partner, against her claims, which led to the fraud charges. Despite making repayments of £70 monthly since 2019, it would take decades to clear the total debt. The judge criticised the five-year delay in prosecuting her, expressing doubts about her ability to repay the full amount. The case highlighted issues of delayed justice and financial deception.

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