Brierley Hill school worker stole to help partner

Phyllis Skelding claimed the cash from 2004 until last year when she was rumbled.

She carried out the crime as she worked at St Mark's Primary School in Brierley Hill. Skelding had filled out the forms on behalf of her partner, who had been declared unable to work, and then got him to sign the paper work.

Wolverhampton Crown Court said that over nine years the 44-year-old would use the money she earned as a classroom assistant to pay bills while her husband's benefits 'put food on the table' according to defence barrister Miss Nicole Steers.

Mr Stuart Clarkson, prosecuting, said in the hearing: "The defendant has fraudulently received £75,231 in incapacity benefits and £639 in housing tax benefit. She is not the claimant, it is her husband, but she had completed the paperwork. She was working part time, about 30 hours a week, and her monthly wage was in excess of £700 sometimes towards £800 per month.

"The claims came to light last year and when questioned in interviews she admitted her wrong doing and said 'life wasn't easy'."

Miss Steers said that Skelding hadn't lived a lavish lifestyle and had been paying £75 a week to her partner who was dependent on alcohol.

She said: "Mrs Skelding hasn't spent this money on luxury items. She hasn't turned up to court with an expensive hand bag. She didn't spend the money on the car because she doesn't own one and she didn't go on expensive holidays as she has no passport.

"She was using the money to live. Mrs Skelding had numerous loans from companies to pay so. She was paying £75 to her husband to fund his alcohol dependence. The money from her husband's benefits put food on the table."

Skelding of Mullet Street, Brierley Hill, had pleaded guilty to two charges of benefit fraud at Dudley Magistrates' Court. Recorder Mr Michael Burrows QC spared her immediate jail, sentencing her to 32 weeks which was suspended for a year plus 80 hours of unpaid work.