Southampton: Fake Single Mum Jailed For Benefit Fraud

10 April 2015, 07:21 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A woman from Southampton who stole £109,000 in benefits and Tax Credits has been jailed for nine months.

For seven years, Kathryn Hampton, 32, claimed to be a single parent, but in reality was living with her then-husband whose income should have been declared on her benefits and Tax Credits claims.

Investigators obtained evidence that the couple were living in the same house and discovered a joint Facebook account, along with a utility bill in both names and even a wedding anniversary card from Kathryn to her then-husband.

Louise Boyle, Director of Benefits and Credits Operations, HMRC, said:

"Anybody who hasn't told us they are living with a partner should contact us straight away. We encourage anyone with information about this type of fraud to call the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440."

Hampton denied the fraud. She was found guilty on 2 March 2015, after a six-day trial at Southampton Crown Court. She was sentenced yesterday (Thursday 9 April) to nine months and will serve half in custody.

Kathryn Hampton fraudulently claimed Income Support of £15,652.99, Housing Benefit of £26,001.56, Council Tax Benefit of £5,422.14, and Child Tax Credits of £62,722.99.