Staffordshire mother who falsely claimed £16,000 fined £50

Kylie Maybury from John Street, Chadsmoor, failed to declare that she lived with Damien Judge, and claimed a total of £16,168.50.

The 27-year-old collected housing benefit, income support and council tax benefits from July 2012 until August 2014, despite being married.

Maybury appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court on Monday where she pleaded guilty to two charges of dishonesty.

She admitted dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting her entitlement to social security payment, namely the Department of Work and Pensions for income support and from July 2012 and went on to receive an overpayment of benefits until August 2014.

The full-time mother also admitted dishonestly making a false statement to obtain housing benefit and council tax benefit from Cannock Chase Council in July 2012, failing to declare her husband lived with her in Rugeley.

In a probation report, the court heard that Maybury had 'taken her eye off the ball' while dealing with her husband's affair and argued that it was a 'legitimate claim' to start with as they had separated.

The marriage was described as 'on and off' and the court also heard that the defendant 'didn't think it would be an issue' but added that 'she knew what she did was wrong' and was 'remorseful'.

Maybury cried while the report was read out in court, which detailed behavioural problems with her son, now four years old, which involved social services.

The report described her as 'distraught' and 'unable to sleep' since being summoned to court and claimed that her son's behaviour was her priority.

Mr Emery, chair of magistrates sentenced her to a 12 months community order and a 12 month supervision order, agreeing with the probation report, that because of her mental health, she was not fit for community service.

Maybury was also fined £50.