A woman who traveled extensively and spent lavishly on vacations has managed to evade imprisonment despite falsely claiming benefits while secretly amassing thousands of pounds in savings.
Susan Pearson, aged 58, obtained over £40,000 in Universal Credit over a five-year period by deceitfully stating she had no funds, while in reality, she held over £40,000 across two accounts. She also received a £500 reduction in her council tax. Known as “Miss Holiday” among friends, she shared her travels to various destinations on social media, including Tunisia, Cyprus, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, and a Mediterranean cruise. Her online posts humorously indicated her frequent holidaying habits, with friends teasing her about having more air miles than Air Force One.
Authorities launched an investigation into Pearson after receiving a tip-off about undisclosed savings held in Nationwide and a Co-Funds pension account. It was discovered that she withdrew £13,000 in a single month. Despite claiming to have spent the money on home repairs when confronted, her vacation photos contradicted her claims.
In court at Bolton Crown Court, Pearson pleaded guilty to two charges of dishonestly withholding information and was instructed by the judge to utilize all her savings to reimburse the benefits she received. Although she could have faced up to two years in jail, she was spared imprisonment and was instead ordered to repay the funds. The maximum capital threshold for Universal Credit claimants is £16,000.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Pearson had been overpaid £40,334.21 in Universal Credit and had also received £536.22 in council tax reductions. Presently, she legitimately receives £55 per week in carer’s allowance to aid in caring for her 83-year-old mother.
In a plea for leniency, Pearson’s lawyer, Martin Pizzey, described his client as remorseful and overwhelmed by the situation, acknowledging her wrongdoing. He emphasized her fragile state and lack of familial support, noting that she is now solely reliant on one account for her living expenses.
The judge, Nicholas Clarke KC, expressed his belief that Pearson’s shame and public exposure were significant punishments in themselves. He decided against a prison sentence, opting instead for repayment of the defrauded funds. Acknowledging the ordeal Pearson had endured, he urged her to make amends promptly and seek assistance truthfully.
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