A mother of three who stole more than £120,000 in taxpayer money over almost 14 years has been handed a suspended jail sentence.
Casey Webb, 45, falsely claimed Housing Benefit and Universal Credit between November 2011 and March 2025. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated she received £108,937 in Housing Benefit and £11,238 in Universal Credit by claiming she was renting a separate annex from her parents' landlord, using forged tenancy agreements and fake rent receipts. Investigators found no evidence of rent payments, and the landlord confirmed the documents were fabricated.
Webb initially denied two counts of fraud by false representation before changing her plea. Her barrister, Dingle Clark, argued that the money was not used for an extravagant lifestyle but to raise her children, suggesting occasional cinema visits or takeaways. He noted Webb, who has no prior convictions, had led a blameless life apart from this offense.
Recorder Edward Renvoize acknowledged that the money was not used for a lavish lifestyle but to provide a slightly better standard of living for her children. He described Webb as posing a low risk of re-offending and noted she plays a major role in caring for her mother.
Webb was sentenced to 32 months' imprisonment, suspended for three years, and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was seen smiling as she left court on Tuesday.
Following the case, Minister for Transformation Andrew Western issued a warning to potential fraudsters, stating that investigators are aware of all methods used and will find those who steal from taxpayers. He also encouraged reporting of suspected benefit fraud.