"37-Year-Old Mum Scams £33,000 in Benefits While Squandering £280,000 Inheritance on Fashion and Vacations"

A BENEFITS cheat mum fleeced £33,000 of taxpayers’ money despite receiving a whopping £280,000 inheritance.

Aimee Jeffrey, 37, blew the £280k on expensive clothing and lavish , according to the Department of Work and (DWP).

Aimee Jeffrey has avoided a fine after she fraudulently claimed £33,000 in benefits Credit: Solent Aimee Jeffrey leaving court after avoiding jail Credit: Solent

The mum-of-five started in 2020 – but one year later came into a “substantial” inheritance claim from her late step mum.

Jeffrey went on to pocket £33,000 in , even though she no longer qualified, and used this to clear her debts and start a , a court was told.

However that business failed – and the fraudster is now “in the throes of debt”.

Jeffrey, from , , pleaded guilty to one count of dishonestly failing to notify change of circumstances affecting entitlement to benefit.

Jeffrey appeared to be carrying a designer Chloe handbag thought to be worth £650 Credit: Solent Portsmouth Magistrates Court, Hampshire Credit: Solent

At Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court, the benefits cheat appeared to be carrying a designer Chloe handbag thought to be worth £650.

Prosecutor Noel Watkins said: “There is a Universal Credit payment to her for a declaration she made in 2020. But she had a significant change to her circumstances, an inheritance from her late step-mother.

“From 2022 she received an overpayment of £33,000 – it’s a substantial amount to take from the public purse. All of that money has gone now.”

Lewis Foster, defending, said: “She pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and accepts responsibility.

“She was appointed as executor for her step-mother, and was responsible for the arrangements, while also keeping and looking after her five children.

“All of the money inherited was used to clear existing debts and establish a business. That business failed, and she finds herself back in the throes of debt.”

Judge David Robinson debated the possibility of giving Jeffrey a community order, but settled on a suspended sentence.

He said: “Benefits are reserved for those who are entitled to them – initially, you were one of those people. You enriched yourself, and your behaviour undermines the faith that the public has in the benefits system.

“I make no application for compensation, but the authorities will recoup from your existing benefits payments.”

Jeffrey was slapped with a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for one year, with 15 rehabilitation days.

The fraudster has also been ordered to pay a £154 surcharge, and costs of £85.

Andrew Western, Minister for Transformation, 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.”