A mother falsely claimed more than 14,000 in benefits after claiming two of her children were living with her when they were living with her grandfather. She had many opportunities to alert the authorities but failed to do so.
Lauren Evans, 28, of Ferndale, carried out the deception for more than two years after claiming universal credit. She falsely claimed two of her children were living at her home, but it was later revealed they were living with her maternal grandfather.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday heard the defendant confirmed that false information on a later date when she legitimately added a third child to her claim, having given birth. There was another occasion when she again failed to correct the false information.
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Evans, of North Road, later pleaded guilty to dishonestly making a false statement in order to obtain benefits. The court heard she was of previous good character.
In mitigation, defence barrister Owen Williams said the overpayment would be taken out of future benefits, so the amount she falsely claimed would be repaid to society.
Recorder Jonathan Rees KC sentenced Evans to 15 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years. She was also ordered to carry out a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement.
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