Fraudster claimed £32,000 of benefits

Dundee Sheriff Court heard Elizabeth Hughes, 36, of Fintry Crescent, claimed Child Tax credit and Working Tax Credit over a three-year period.

She told benefit bosses she was separated from her husband in 2009 until September 2013, when in fact they were living together as a married couple.

HMRC investigations revealed the couple had been on holiday together during their alleged separation, posed for family photos and Hughes had commented on Facebook that her husband was “the bestest”.

Fiscal depute Vicki Bell told the court Hughes, who works a self-employed childminder, had originally claimed for credit in 2009, stating she was married.

The fiscal said: “In August 2009, the accused informed HMRC she was no longer with her husband and claimed as a single parent. She confirmed this was her status on another four occasions after that. Then, in September 2013, the accused informed HMRC she had reconciled with her husband in April 2012.”

An investigation was launched that revealed the couple had lived together since 2004, maintained j oint bank accounts and together paid household bills since then.

Facebook pictures of the couple and their children during their alleged separation were found.

The fiscal continued: “Hughes was interviewed by investigating officers and she accepted she had claimed child and working tax credit as a single person. She admitted she should have changed this status but didn’t as she and her husband were suffering from financial issues.

“However, she failed to accept the evidence presented to her from the investigation, including the pictures and accounts details.”

Her husband was also interviewed and admitted knowing about Hughes’ fraudulent claims. He said it continued to help with his gambling debts.

He told officers the couple had separated briefly for three or four months in late 2009 but then reconciled.

Hughes admitted that between January 1 2010 and September 23 2013 she fraudulently claimed Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit by declaring she was separated from her husband, while knowing she was maintaining a common household, and obtained £32,000. Sentence was deferred until February 8 for reports.

A WOMAN has admitted fraudulently claiming £32,000 of benefits.

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Dundee Sheriff Court