Gambling Addict Commits Welfare Fraud

'Single' Widnes mum who swindled £108,000 in benefits was living with partner
By Hannah Bargery

A GAMBLING addict mum has avoided jail despite claiming more than £108,000 during an eight-year benefit fraud.

Jacqueline Unsworth, of Abbey Road, Widnes, told the Department of Work and Pensions she was a single mum but after surveillance at her home it was discovered she was living with her partner between February 2002 and August 2010.

Investigations found partner Howard Whitley at the Widnes home on a ‘significant number’ of occasions and a search of the property found invoices for carpets, flights and other documents in both defendants’ names. The 51-year-old, who looks after her disabled son, pleaded guilty to three charges of benefit fraud at Warrington Crown Court on Friday.

William Beardmore, prosecuting, said: “Suspicions were raised between July and August last year after observations of her home in Ditton.

“After discovering there was complications with her pregnancy, she asked her partner to move in with her and he did so since the birth in 2002.

“She said she recognises she was acting dishonestly but a gambling addiction was the reason she didn’t say.”

Ian Weights, defending, said Unsworth’s son would be ‘greatly affected’ by a custodial sentence.

Unsworth will have to pay back a net total of £58,000 and was given a 24-week sentence suspended for 12 months, 120 hours’ unpaid work and a supervision order for 12 months.

Judge Nicholas Woodward said: “You are the primary carer for your young son who has significant difficulties.

“Your partner will have to give up time to look after your son so you can complete the order.”

Lord Freud, Minister for welfare reform: “When people receive benefits from us they enter into a contract to tell us of any change in their circumstances.

“Deliberately not doing so is a crime and takes valuable funds from those who need them the most.”