A BENEFITS fraudster who claimed she needed help washing and cooking has been caught selling pole dancing classes.
Angela Elizabeth Claire, 45, fiddled £28,000 in benefits to help her poor physical health but was busted over dancing on social media.
The benefit cheat was receiving taxpayers money from 2016 to 2022 in housing benefits and Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance.
But when she hit the jackpot, securing a whopping £30,000 win on the Postcode Lottery in 2021, Clare decided against notifying Torfaen Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.
By the time her secret was out, she had claimed over £28,000 in benefits while charging £60 per student for her pole dancing gig.
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Clare previously declared that she was unable to cook for herself and required assistance washing and bathing, as well as constant monitoring to take her medication.
Contrary to her claims of poor health, Clare was seen online hanging upside down and doing splits while pole dancing.
She was also caught reviewing a local pole dance studio, saying it had "good vibes that instantly put you at peace".
It was revealed that Clare provided yoga sessions and on-call teaching on a freelance basis at the cost of £60 per person.
Prosecutor Ross McQuillan-Johnson said: "This was a marked difference compared to a number of postings on social media."
Her claims were initially genuine but she failed to notify the authorities of her improved health.
She unlawfully claimed £28,867 in total between January 31, 2020, and September 12, 2022.
The fraudster entered a guilty plea to two charges of dishonestly failing to report a change in circumstances.
The court was informed that she was of previous good character.
Her barrister, Adam Sharp, said: "She is utterly ashamed by what she had done."
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According to Mr. Sharp, Clare has partially repaid the assistance money.
"She is utterly ashamed by what she had done."
Adam Sharp, defence lawyer
But he emphasised that she still had long-standing mental health problems in addition to major, underlying medical ailments including losing a breast and needing a stoma bag.
Recorder Robin Rouch gave Clare a sentence of 18 weeks in jail with a 12-month suspension.
She was also given a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will be held in a bid to reclaim some of the money.
