“Don’t think you can steal from hardworking taxpayers”

The Government has issued a stark warning to benefit cheats after a Doncaster woman was sentenced over a £32,000 fraud, saying: “We will find you.”

Laura Cunningham, of Tennyson Avenue, Mexborough, told the DWP she was a single woman living with her children in order to claim Universal Credit.

However, Sheffield Crown Court heard she was actually living with her partner.

Following her sentencing, the Minister for Transformation, Andrew Western said: “The message is clear – don't think you can steal from hardworking taxpayers.

“Whatever your reasons for committing benefit fraud, know that our investigators are wise to every trick in the book and we will find you.

“And if you know somebody is fleecing the system, report it.”

The 34-year-old fraudster pocketed £32,000 in benefits by pretending she still lived alone.

However, when she was questioned by police in September 2024, officers asked why her partner appeared to be staying at her home full time, and why the two cars in the drive were in his name.

Sheffield Crown Court heard on Friday (July 17) how Cunningham made no comment in the interview except that the man “sometimes stayed” at the address.

That night, she cancelled her UC claim and ticked “no reason” when asked why - but, after two years, Cunningham had already defrauded £32,255.60.

The court heard officers from the DWP surveilled the 34-year-old’s home during their investigation and used “open source research” - typically meaning looking on social media - to confirm she was in a relationship and that her UC claim was dishonest.

Cunningham, who pleaded guilty to one count of fraud at the first opportunity, wept in the dock - but the judge told her he accepted she was “clearly remorseful.”

The self-employed plasterer has reportedly already begun to pay off the £32,000 debt.

Recorder Mr Harry Vann said in sentencing: “This is a very serious matter, as you are clearly aware, involving deceit of £32,000 in benefit fraud from the taxpayers of this country.

“The fact you have got to your 30s without any previous convictions whatsoever, as well as your previous good character, is in your favour.

“From today, you must stay out of trouble, as you have done so until this point.”

Cunningham was handed a six month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. A further punishment of hours in unpaid work was waived for the sake of her children.