‘Queen of benefits’ admits crime
A mother of 12 dubbed the Queen of Benefits has admitted handling cash stolen from car parks across Kent.
Cheryl Prudham entered the plea when she appeared with her ex-partner, who still lives in Maidstone, and another man, at the town’s crown court on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old was given the title after raking in £40,000 a year in benefits and buying lavish gifts for her large family.
Prudham now lives in Cheshire and appeared by video link with Warrington Crown Court.
She admitted handling cash belonging to Meteor Parking Ltd over a two-month period.
Robert Prudham, 31, and Jacob Underdown, 27, earlier denied four charges of theft of £4,787 from Meteor while working as collection men in 2014.
The Kent car parks involved include Maidstone East, Fremlin Walk, Borough Green, Chatham, Hildenborough, Longfield, Meopham, Rainham, Sevenoaks, Staplehurst, Orpington and Darent Valley Hospital.
Robert Prudham, also known as Robert Ring, further denied fraud by making a false declaration to Folkestone-based Red Eagle Recruitment Specialist that he was of good character and had no criminal convictions.
Judge Adele Wi l l iams adjourned sentence to obtain a probation report on Cheryl Prudham until December 16.
A trial date for April next year was set for Robert Prudham, of Milton Street, Maidstone, and Underdown, of Emerald View, Warden Bay, Sheppey.
Unconditional bail was continued.