Mum who dishonestly claimed £25,000 escapes jail (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Mum who dishonestly claimed £25,000 escapes jail

A BOURTON mother-of-two escaped a jail sentence at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday despite dishonestly claiming more than £25,000 in benefits over three years.

Susan Marion, aged 35, of Folly Field, had admitted falsely claiming housing benefit, council tax and income support between November 15, 2002 and April 7, 2005.

Paul Cook, prosecuting, said: "Marion had claimed she was separated from her husband when she was in fact still living with him.

"She also admitted during the course of police interview that she had been working and had made a false statement to get extra money. She was not entitled to claim any benefits."

Joe Maloney, defending, said: "This is a lady who deeply regrets getting in this situation.

"She has two children aged 12 and four years. Her husband works but relies on her for transport.

"If she were to be put in custody today there could be serious problems.

"She is an intelligent woman who has a severe lack of self esteem. The money was not spent of luxuries but on paying off other debts."

Judge Jamie Tabor QC told a clearly terrified and shaking Marion, whom he allowed to remain seated in the dock:

"You obtained £25,000 from the state over a period of three years that you should not have.

"That is a very large sum of money and those who dishonestly take benefits must expect a term of imprisonment.

"You are a very troubled lady but not naturally dishonest."

Marion was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

She was also given a community order with 12 months supervision and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work for the community.