Disability benefits worth thousands illegally claimed by lottery winner

Clare was receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and housing benefit between 2016 and 2022.

The claims were initially considered genuine but later the defendant failed to notify a change in her health circumstances.

Clare also failed to notify authorities after winning £30,000 Postcode Lottery in 2021.

The total amount she claimed illegally came to £28,867.

Clare pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly failing to notify the Department of Work & Pensions and Torfaen Council about the change to her circumstances.

However, the court was told she was of previous good character.

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A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court revealed Clare claimed she was unable to cook for herself, needed assistance washing and bathing, and required constant monitoring to take her medication.

Clare’s social media accounts painted a different picture, with screenshots showing the 45-year-old hanging upside down and performing the splits while pole dancing.

She also offered services on a freelance basis as an on call instructor and yoga classes.

Beginner classes were priced at £60 per person.

Recorder Robin Rouch sentenced Clare to 18 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months.

Clare will also complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) proceedings will be instigated against her.

Adam Sharp, mitigation lawyer, claimed his client made some “repayments” and was “utterly ashamed” by her actions.

He also argued Clare was still dealing with serious medical complications, including the loss of a breast and the requirement of a stoma bag, as well as long-standing mental health issues.