Falsely claimed £18k

A WOMAN described by a judge as “thoroughly dishonest” has avoided an immediate prison term despite admitting £18,000 worth of fraudulent benefit claims.

Judge Rhys Rowlands issued Doretta Parker with a £2,000 fine for fraudulently claiming £18,495.65 in benefits between April 2012 and September 2016.

He described Mrs Parker’s claim as being “false from the outright,” who despite claiming to be separated from her husband, was found to share several bank accounts with him, even going abroad on holiday as a couple in 2013.

They had also bought and sold homes. Mrs Parker, of Plas Edwards, Tywyn, Gwynedd, had also failed to declare several bank accounts and the settlement of an equal pay claim worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Sion ap Mihangel, defending Mrs Parker, told Caernarfon Crown Court that her marriage had “broken down” but that the couple continued to live together in a common household.

She had subsequently paid back the amount in full, and as a woman of previous good character, had a low risk of re-offending.

But Judge Rhys Rowlands called Parker’s version of events “tosh”, adding that “it insulted the intelligence of the court to put a gloss” on her actions. Taking into account her guilty plea, he fined Parker £2,000.

She must pay within six months or face a 42-day prison sentence.