A MUM of three has been warned she faces prison after ripping off the taxpayer for more than £100,000 in benefits.

The scam lasted for almost seven years until fraud officers launched a surveillance operation on Kathryn Hampton’s home, a court heard.

Prosecutor Andrew Evans alleged the 32-year-old had:

  • Cheated the Department of Works & Pensions out of £15,652.99,
  • Pocketed £31,443.70 in housing benefit and council tax benefit from Southampton City Council
  • And duped Customs and Excise into paying her £62,722.99 in child tax credits

Daily Echo:

Kathryn Hampton

Southampton Crown Court heard that in total, she had swindled them of £108,799.99 without declaring she was living with her husband, David, who in that period had held down three different jobs.

Mr Evans said Hampton began claiming support in June 2005 after telling the DWP and the city council that she was separated from her husband and was therefore a single parent with dependent children.

"In reality, she was in fact living with her husband.

“Had the defendant declared this, she would not have qualified for income support on the basis she was a single parent.

"She would have been expected to look to her husband for financial support rather than the state and the earnings which he received would have been taken into account in determining any entitlement to other benefits.”

Mr Evans told the court that Hampton was caught after fraud officers from the Department of Works & Pensioners launched an investigation into her claims and it became apparent she had been living with Mr Hampton.

They mounted a two-week surveillance operation that confirmed vehicles registered to the couple were parked outside their home.

When her three children attended school, Hampton signed each registration form they were living with their parents.

Mr Evans said during the course of the fraud, Mr Hampton held down three jobs, on each occasion giving his address as the same as his wife’s.

Hampton, 32, was charged with three counts of failing to notify a change of circumstances and one of fraud. She pleaded not guilty but after a six day hearing, she was convicted.

Jurors took almost three hours to reach their unanimous verdict.

 

Recorder David Evans extended her bail until sentence but warned her she faces a prison sentence.

He said: “An immediate prison sentence is the likely option.

"This was a lengthy period of dishonesty and you have quite unfairly obtained over £100,000 to live a lifestyle beyond your means.”