Benefit cheat spotted on web in Barbados

A WOMAN who falsely claimed thousands of pounds in benefits was caught out after she posted photos of her wedding in Barbados on Facebook.

Hazel Cunningham was sentenced to 120 days in prison after pleading guilty to four charges of making false statements and one of failing to notify a change in circumstance at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court in Kent.

The 47-year-old’s deceit was uncovered by Ashford Borough Council fraud investigation team, which also found she was enjoying holidays to Turkey up to three times a year at the same time as claiming income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit, amounting to an average of £170 a week. She must now repay all the money she falsely claimed, a total of just under £15,000.

Cunningham, of Kennington, Ashford, failed to notify the authorities of her maternity pay from her employer and also falsely claimed she was a single mother.