Fake family cheat got £60,000

A Black Country benefits cheat invented children to swindle £60,000 in tax credits. Louise Hathaway claimed she was responsible for a dozen children when she had just four.In four years the 35-year-old raked in £60,000. She pleaded guilty to 10 charges of falsely claiming tax credits.

Judge Frank Chapman told Hathaway, of King Avenue, Bentley, Walsall, that she would be sent to prison if she was caught making any more bogus claims in the future.

This time he handed her a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and an 18-month supervision order.

She was also told to carry out 200 hours' unpaid work in the community.

Sentencing Hathaway, Judge Chapman told her: "Most people have to work hard to provide things for their family and necessities of life.

"The system is devalued by people like you.

"You were falsely claiming benefits for four years and claimed benefits exceeding £60,000.

"You are a truly dishonest woman and invented children for your gain."

He said he was reluctant to send mothers to prison but would have no option but to do so if she committed further offences in the future.

Hathaway was prosecuted by Revenue and Customs officials who discovered the fraud following an investigation.

Last year a teacher from Wolverhampton was jailed for a year after swindling almost £45,000 in child tax credits by masquerading as a father-of-eight.

Jamaican national David Graham, a 34-year-old father-of-one, received cash for eight youngsters plus additional money for five, whom he claimed were disabled.

By Andy Richardson