A benefit fraudster has been spared jail time after pleading guilty to fraudulent claims totaling over £70,000. The case, heard at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, involved Donna Palmer, 48, who made claims for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefits, and Universal Credit between January 2017 and November 2023.
The court was informed that Palmer’s fraudulent claims amounted to £70,430.05. This total included £26,780.96 in income-related ESA benefits and £42,184.19 in Housing Benefits. Additionally, she and her partner, Stephen Wheeler, made a joint claim for Universal Credit that falsely included a child element amounting to £1,464.88 between December 2023 and May 2024.
The claims were based on the assertion that Palmer’s daughter lived with her and was still in full-time education. However, the court established that the child actually resided with her father and had left school in 2023 to begin working.
Palmer’s partner had previously received an out-of-court disposal regarding the Universal Credit claim. During the proceedings, the court heard that Palmer, residing at Hygrove Residential Park in Minsterworth, Gloucestershire, is still receiving benefits. The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) indicated it would work to recover the fraudulent claims over time.
Prosecutor Cathy Thornton detailed how Palmer initially claimed ESA in January 2017, falsely declaring herself as a single person living in Gloucester. The DWP later received an anonymous tip-off in 2022, suggesting that Palmer’s partner had been living with her rent-free and was employed. The tip-off also alleged that Palmer was working at a local pub, income she had not declared.
Following these revelations, Palmer was issued a caution in August 2023, and the DWP determined that she should not have received ESA payments, leading to their disallowance. Further investigation revealed the inaccuracy of her Universal Credit claim.
In mitigating circumstances, Palmer’s defense solicitor, Blaise Shervington, highlighted her struggles with mental health issues, stating she takes eight daily medications to manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Shervington remarked, “She is extremely remorseful and extremely fearful,” explaining that Palmer has difficulties managing her administrative affairs due to dyslexia and has sought help from her partner.
The court also learned that Palmer is a carer for one of her daughters, who suffers from osteitis fibrosa.
During sentencing, magistrates acknowledged Palmer’s challenges, including her reliance on the advice of her partner. Despite recognizing these difficulties, they emphasized that the sum of £70,000 is substantial. They sentenced her to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, contingent on her not committing further offenses.
The court also mandated that Palmer complete 20 rehabilitation activities directed by probation and undergo an 18-month mental health treatment requirement if deemed suitable. In addition, magistrates added £50 to Palmer’s existing fines, which will be deducted from her monthly benefits of £2,200.
Following the sentencing, Andrew Western, Minister for Transformations at the DWP, stated, “Benefit fraud is not a victimless crime – it steals money from the people who need it most.” He emphasized that this case highlights the importance of reporting fraud and assured the public that tips to the DWP’s fraud hotline are taken seriously.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of benefit fraud and the measures in place to prevent it.
