Woman scammed £20,000 in benefits by secretly living with husband

The mother of three appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court.

She admitted to claiming Universal Credit and council tax support from Breckland District Council while falsely claiming she was the only adult living at her home on Nessa Close.

The court heard that she had no entitlement to the low-income benefits she received, as she should have declared her partner’s presence in the household to the authorities.

The fraud ran for 191 weeks, from February 2021 until it was detected in September 2024.

Crookes admitted to dishonestly withholding information that affected her claim and to failing to inform the Department for Work and Pensions about her changed living arrangements.

She also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of fraud by false representation relating to a benefits application submitted in April 2023, in which she did not disclose that she was "maintaining a common household" with her husband.

Magistrates set October 26 as the sentencing date and ordered a pre-sentence report examining all options, including custody.

The court was told the offences carry a starting point of 12 months’ imprisonment, with a sentencing range extending up to three years.

Annette Hall, representing Crookes in mitigation, told the court: "The claims started legitimately but later her partner came to live with her and with trying to keep a roof over their heads and good on the table she made the foolish decision out of desperation."

Hall added: "She is not proud of it but things spiralled out of control."

The defence solicitor informed the magistrates that Crookes is currently burdened with debts exceeding £50,000.

She is already repaying the fraudulently obtained Universal Credit.

Crookes is also trying to settle the council tax overpayments owed to Breckland District Council.