A mother who falsely claimed £55,000 in benefits was today jailed for three months - in the hope it would deter others from committing benefit fraud.
A mother who falsely claimed £55,000 in benefits was today jailed for three months - in the hope it would deter others from committing benefit fraud.
Lisa Wills, 35, failed to declare that she had a partner who was working and living with her at her home in Norwich and carried on receiving income support, housing benefit and council tax over an eight-year period.
Norwich Crown Court heard the fraud was uncovered by Department of Work and Pensions officers.
Wills had since started to repay some of the money.
Wills, of Stevenson Road, Norwich, admitted failing to notify a change in her circumstances and also making false representation.
Recorder David Anderson told her: “This money was paid for by tax and council tax payers and instead found its way into your pocket. Any sentence I pass must be sufficiently severe so as to deter others from behaving as you have done.”
Michael Clare mitigating said the claim had started out as legitimate but she had neglected to tell anyone about the change in her lifestyle.
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