A mother-of-two is facing the prospect of a prison sentence after admitting cheating the benefits system out of more than £24,000.
Michelle Harris claimed income support, housing benefit and council tax which she was not entitled to between June, 2003, and December last year.
The 36-year-old, from Bilston, had stated she was a single mother when in fact she was living with her partner David Millard. She appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court yesterday.
She was warned by District Judge Martin Brown to prepare for prison because of the large amount of money involved.
Harris, of Smout Crescent, pleaded guilty to claiming £24,697 after failing to notify the authorities of a change of circumstances.
Manish Patel, prosecuting, said: “Miss Harris claimed all the money after filling out forms saying she was a single parent with two children.
“She actually filled out a form back in August 2003 saying she had two dependents to look after on her own, but evidence has been obtained to show that in June 2003 David Millard joined the household.
“If this was put on the form then the payments would have been altered and this amount of money would not have been paid out.”
District Judge Martin Brown said: “Clearly, in a case like this, custody has to considered.
“It may even go to the crown court for sentencing because I don’t suppose it can get much more serious.
“For a case not dissimilar to this one, someone was sent to jail for six months.”
Harris has been bailed until Thursday when she will return to the court.
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