Barrow benefit fraudster caught out after DWP surveillance

Annette Phillips was caught out after being seen shopping at a supermarket in surveillance carried out by the Department of Work and Pensions, magistrates heard.

South Cumbria Magistrates' Court was told the 54-year-old first claimed the personal independence payment because she struggled with arthritis and could not walk more than 20 metres using a stick. 

But she failed to inform the department of a change in her mobility after she was seen walking around, including pushing a trolley while shopping in a supermarket.

Phillips admitted committing fraud when she appeared before the court.

Prosecutor Lee Dacre said the Barrow woman received £8,010 between June 2022 and June 2023.

During that time she failed to inform the DWP her change in circumstances, something she had committed to when signing her initial claims for the disability payment, the court was told.

Mr Dacre said Phillips had decades-old previous convictions for shoplifting.

In mitigation, Karen Templeton suggested the case was not 'black and white' and said Phillips was living with arthritis as well as fibromyalgia, which causes the defendant to have limited mobility and experience chronic fatigue.

Ms Templeton said while Phillips was under surveillance there were days when the defendant felt better and went out in the morning.

But she said Phillips would often sleep in the afternoon having gone out.

Ms Templeton said: "It's very difficult if you're having a good day to report a change to the DWP," adding: "She does accept she's in the wrong."

"She is sorry about what happened," Ms Templeton told the court.

Phillips, of Vulcan Road, was sentenced to a community order with a curfew due to keep her at home between 6pm and 8am for the next 16 weeks.

Magistrates said they had considered a custodial sentence, telling the defendant it was a 'serious' offence.

The court was told the DWP was recovering the money from Phillips.