A mother-of-five has escaped serious punishment after admitting falsely claiming almost £10,000 in benefits.
Angela Regan claimed the money as a lone parent despite her partner Neil Scott living with her, Northampton Magistrates’ Court heard.
She claimed £9,999.44 in income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit between April 30, 2010, and November 1, 2012.
Regan, aged 40, of Cowper Street, Northampton, admitted to two charges of failing to notify a change of circumstance.
The court heard Regan’s partner Neil Scott was the guarantor on her house, and his car, mobile phone and bank account were all registered at her address. Surveillance footage also showed Mr Scott at the house.
But Regan only pleaded guilty on the basis that Mr Scott had been living with her for five months, which the prosecution accepted. She was handed a two-year conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £100 costs.
The court heard she wasn’t suitable for unpaid work due to her childcare needs.
Stella Moses, prosecuting, said: “Under caution, she said Mr Scott was not living there. Neil Scott was interviewed and said he and Angela Regan were not a couple.”
Stuart Jeffery, mitigating, told the court Regan accepted the circumstances changed in May 2012, when the couple’s child was born. She is now repaying the money at £100 a month.