Queen of Benefit’s ex took £4k from parking meters
The estranged partner of a mother dubbed the Queen of Benefits has admitted stealing cash from car park meters.
Robert Prudham, of Milton Street, Maidstone, had previously denied four charges of theft of £4,788 from Meteor Parking Ltd between January and February 2014 and fraud.
But on Monday, the tattooed 32-year-old admitted the offences – and was warned he could be facing jail. His ex, Cheryl Prudham, 34, who has announced she is expecting her 13th child, had previously admitted handling cash stolen from the car parks.
The mother, now of Warrington, Cheshiere, and Robert Prudham will be sentenced after the trial of Jacob Underdown, 27, of Emerald View, Warden Bay, Sheppey, who has denied the theft charges.
Cheryl Prudham, who has lived in Gravesend and Teynham, was given the title after raking in more than £40,000 a year in benefits and buying lavish gifts for her children. Robert Prudham, also known as Robert Ring, and Underdown were working as collection men.
The Kent car parks involved include Fremlin Walk, Maidstone East, Borough Green, Chatham, Hildenborough, Longfield, Meopham, Rainham, Sevenoaks, Staplehurst, Orpington, and Darent Valley Hospital,
The fraud offence committed between September 2013 and February 2014 involves making a false declaration to Folkestone firm Red Eagle Recruitment Specialist that he had no criminal convictions.
Prosecutor Timothy Forster said: “It is a breach of trust and substantial sums are involved.”
Eve George, defending, said Robert Prudham admitted being responsible for half of the amount in the charges.
Judge Richard Polden adjourned sentence on Robert Prudham for a probation report, saying: “The fact I am granting bail does not mean you will not receive a custodial sentence.”
Judge Adele Williams previously told Cheryl Prudham when granting conditional bail: “It is no indication that the court will not send you to prison. All sentencing options are open.”
Underdown will stand trial in the week beginning April 10. A pre-trial review will be held on March 17.