Lesley Thomas, 49, scooped an incredible life changing sum of £300,000 back in 2015. She scooped the sum after buying a lucky lottery ticket in her hometown.
Claimed Benefits
But she continued to claim benefits despite her epic windfall. This means she claimed nearly £20,000 of taxpayers money.Having received government handouts while her winnings were sitting in the bank, Thomas failed to tell the council she was not eligible for the housing benefit and employment and support allowance.Thomas pleaded guilty to failing to inform Merthyr Tydfil council of her change of circumstances relating to the housing benefit she was receiving between April 2015 and November 2015.
About Thomas
The court based in Wales heard that Ms Thomas lives alone with no children or partner. But has a close relationship with her extended family and had already given a sum of money to her niece and other family members.The court was made aware of her having numerous health complaints that require the ongoing support of carers on a daily basis, especially to help her carry out daily chores.Kim Treloar, defending, said: ‘She gave some money to her niece to assist her and some money to her relatives.’She suffered with depression, anxiety, and many physical issues. She has fully accepted that she’s done wrong.’
The consequences for Thomas
Merthyr Tydfil magistrates gave gave Thomas a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Thomas was also electronically tagged, given a night time curfew and ordered to pay £200 court costs, as well as paying back the £17,988.10 to the council.Bench chairwoman Mary Morris said: ‘The offence was over a long period of time and it was a deliberate act.’