Maryport Woman Escapes Prison After £85,000 Benefits Fraud
A 60-year-old woman from Cumbria has avoided immediate imprisonment after admitting to defrauding the Department for Work and Pensions of over £85,000 in benefits payments. Louise Stuart, residing in Maryport, received an 18-month suspended prison sentence following a court hearing where her defence cited significant mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts as mitigating factors.
Details of the Fraudulent Claims
Investigators from the DWP discovered that Stuart had been falsely claiming Employment Support Allowance and housing benefit by declaring herself as a single woman with no additional income. However, evidence presented in court revealed she had actually been cohabiting with her fiancé, Russel Harrison, 67, since September 2016. This undisclosed relationship invalidated her eligibility for the substantial benefits she received over several years.
The total amount fraudulently obtained comprised £49,059 in Employment Support Allowance and £36,785 in housing benefits, creating a combined debt of £85,844 that she is now required to repay to the public purse.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing at Carlisle Crown Court, defence barrister Emily Wilson presented character references describing Stuart as "trustworthy," "selfless," and possessing "integrity." Wilson argued that the offending behaviour did not reflect the defendant's true character, noting Stuart had worked as a healthcare assistant for 18 years before stopping due to ill health.
"Her primary motivation for committing these offences was financial hardship," Wilson told the court. "Not working at the time, she simply didn't have the money she needed for her basic needs and survival."
Judge Fanning acknowledged the dishonesty of the offences, stating directly to Stuart: "It's dishonesty and you knew it was." However, he opted for a suspended sentence rather than immediate custody, commenting that imprisoning the 60-year-old would cost taxpayers approximately £80,000.
Remarkable Repayment Terms
The court established a repayment plan requiring Stuart to return £50 monthly towards the £85,844 debt. At this rate, complete repayment would theoretically take over 141 years to accomplish. Judge Fanning expressed scepticism about the likelihood of full recovery, remarking: "I don't think we're going to get that money back."
This case highlights the complex balancing act courts face when sentencing offenders with significant mitigating circumstances against the need to address substantial financial fraud against public funds. The suspended sentence allows Stuart to return home while remaining under court supervision for the 18-month suspension period.
