Shropshire mother, 31, cleared of £27,000 false benefits claim
A Shropshire mother-of-two, who was accused of falsely claiming more than £27,000 in benefits, has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Andrea Roberts, aged 31, of Prees, pleaded not guilty to three offences of dishonesty between 2011 and 2012 relating to her applications for income support, housing and council tax benefits.
Telford magistrates heard that the Department of Work and Pensions had launched an investigation into Mrs Roberts, of Whitebrook Meadow, in 2012 over suspicions that she had claimed the benefits as a lone parent, while living with her husband Jonathan.
Mrs Kate Hatton, prosecuting, said: "The Crown maintains that a false representation was made, namely that the defendant maintained that she was living with herself and subsequent children at the addresses concerned and that she was not living with her partner as a married couple. They married on June 6, 2010, and as a result had two children who were born in 2011 and 2013."
In an interview Mrs Roberts had told investigators that they split up shortly after the wedding due to her husband having an affair, but reconciled in February 2013. Mrs Roberts said: "I asked Johnny to help secure the tenancy with me to give his child somewhere to live."
Mr David Silcock, chairman of the bench, told Mrs Roberts there was doubt over the prosecution evidence.
"We believe the defendant's evidence and therefore we find you not guilty."
