LANDLADY Sallyann Helcoop stung the taxpayer for more than £18,000 after keeping mum about her lodger, magistrates heard.
Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard how the 47- year-old decided not to let on to the benefits agency that she was renting a room for up to £120 a fortnight to a lodger while claiming income support for nine-and-a-half years.
Helcoop, of Mousehole Lane, Southampton, pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions to her change in circumstances.
But magistrates decided to take a “slightly unusual step” by handing her a conditional discharge for two years.
This came after hearing how Helcoop’s lodger had become her carer.
This followed an accident that left her with a spinal injury and now she has suspected cancer, the court heard.
Michael Carreras, defending, said on top of this she suffered from a bipolar condition which “led to her not being able to face up to issues in her life”.
He added: “What we have now is a lady who is exceptionally shame-faced. She has clearly been shaken up by all of this.”
She is now attempting to pay back £20 every fortnight out of her benefits.
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