Benefits fraud revealed

Judith Blackmore, 64, fraudulently claimed single status to receive £44,415 in Universal Credit and £4,392 council tax discount until Facebook photos revealed her wedding and honeymoon.

“A benefits cheat fleeced more than £44,000 from 'hard-working' taxpayers by claiming she was single until investigators find photos of her hen do, wedding and Cyprus honeymoon plastered across Facebook”

Blackmore's false claims

Judith Blackmore, from Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire, never disclosed she was in a relationship when she applied for and received benefits and reduced council tax.

Universal Credit fraud

Blackmore received Universal Credit on the basis she was single, had no other income and simply shared a tenancy with a man.

Council tax discount

Blackmore also received a council tax reduction on the basis that she was single with no other income or capital.

Overpaid benefits

Hull Crown Court heard she was overpaid benefit of £44,415 -£40,023 from Universal Credit and £4,392 from the council tax discount.

Facebook evidence

Photos shared by the horsewoman show her wearing a blue gown and floral headband as she stood beside her husband at the reception on May 3, 2024.

Honeymoon photos

She captioned the carousel of photos: 'Well, we did it. Thanks to all who helped make our day, and my beautiful children and grandchildren.'

Second hen do

Just a week earlier, Blackmore celebrated her 'second hen do' with a champagne-fuelled train journey and a day at the shops with five female friends.

Honeymoon in Cyprus

A few days after the wedding, Blackmore shared photos from her honeymoon in Cyprus, where she stayed in an oceanfront resort.

Fraud admission

Blackmore admitted fraud by failing to disclose information to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council between July 1, 2019 and June 17, 2024.

DWP investigation

The DWP launched an investigation into her social media accounts after finding Facebook photos of her wedding and honeymoon.

Financial interdependency

Bank statements showed large sums transferred between their accounts, with the man transferring £96,000 into Blackmore's account and her moving £73,000 into his.

Facebook relationship

Blackmore was shown on her Facebook profile of being in a relationship with her 'co-tenant' since August 28, 2013.

Marriage certificate

Investigators also obtained the marriage certificate to confirm the relationship.

DWP requirements

Blackmore was required to notify the DWP if she was living with a partner while receiving Universal Credit.

False declaration

Blackmore admitted the information she concealed would have affected her benefits payments.

Court sentence

Recorder Richard Wright KC gave Blackmore a 16-month suspended prison sentence and ordered her to complete 120 hours' unpaid work.