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Lying mum-of-11 escapes jail sentence
A mum of 11 who lied that nine of her children were disabled - and invented another - to claim £52,000 of tax credit benefits has escaped jail.
Marrie Louise Freeman 42 was told by a judge she had only missed being sent to immediate custody because of the additional burden it would impose on tax payers who would have to foot the bill for the care of her seven dependant children.
Freeman, of Meadow Park, Cabus, Garstang, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of tax benefit fraud in June, after her ruse was uncovered by customs officials in 2007.
Recorder Rachel Smith, who sentenced her to nine months suspended for two years said: "It is not in the public interest to cast this further financial burden on the tax payer for the period of a custodial sentence which would be short in any event.
The decision was blasted by her eldest son Callum, father of her only grandchild, whom she has disowned.
The 24-year-old postman, who lives in east Lancashire, said: "It's ridiculous - she has effectively got away scot free. It doesn't send a very good message to the public. I can't understand how someone can commit such a big fraud then not be sent to prison for it. She won't be bothered by a suspended sentence."
Prosecuting, Barbara Webster described how, on 10 separate occasions between September 2007 and early 2007 she rang up tax credit officials and claimed nine of her children were disabled and entitled to enhanced tax credit benefits.
On one occasion she made a claim for a "twin girl" of her son, now three, whom never existed.
Defending, Sergei Prokofiev said: " The proceeds were not used to fund a lavish lifestyle with luxury like large screen TVs and holidays abroad but it was spent on daily need, the issues that having such a large and extended family involves."
He added at the time the family were in dire financial position and that their house had been repossessed after Mr freeman had lost his job as a labourer..
he added: "She accepts she took positive but appalling action to solve these financial problems."
Freeman, who wore a grey top and black cardigan, bowed her head in the dock as she was sentenced.
One daughter waited outside the court with her five month old baby while another daughter watched from the public gallery.
Recorder Smith said: "There are serious aggravating features in this case in my view.
"This was a significant sum of money to which you were not entitled. Your criminality persisted over two and a half years. You showed no sign of desisting from your offending which was only stopped by this investigation.
"This is not a victimless crime Every taxpayer in this country is contributing to the funds available to the state to support those who do need and are entitled to financial support including those who care for children with disabilities.
"There's no bottomless pit of money."
The court heard the future of her benefits claims were uncertain, and that "small amounts" may be deducted from any future claims towards the amount she had defrauded.
Freeman, her husband and nine of their children live in a rented comfortable semi-detached home in Cabus.
Her husband recently suffered a heart attack and may need further surgery.
Marrie Louise Freeman 42 was told by a judge she had only missed being sent to immediate custody because of the additional burden it would impose on tax payers who would have to foot the bill for the care of her seven dependant children.
Freeman, of Meadow Park, Cabus, Garstang, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of tax benefit fraud in June, after her ruse was uncovered by customs officials in 2007.
Recorder Rachel Smith, who sentenced her to nine months suspended for two years said: "It is not in the public interest to cast this further financial burden on the tax payer for the period of a custodial sentence which would be short in any event.
The decision was blasted by her eldest son Callum, father of her only grandchild, whom she has disowned.
The 24-year-old postman, who lives in east Lancashire, said: "It's ridiculous - she has effectively got away scot free. It doesn't send a very good message to the public. I can't understand how someone can commit such a big fraud then not be sent to prison for it. She won't be bothered by a suspended sentence."
Prosecuting, Barbara Webster described how, on 10 separate occasions between September 2007 and early 2007 she rang up tax credit officials and claimed nine of her children were disabled and entitled to enhanced tax credit benefits.
On one occasion she made a claim for a "twin girl" of her son, now three, whom never existed.
Defending, Sergei Prokofiev said: " The proceeds were not used to fund a lavish lifestyle with luxury like large screen TVs and holidays abroad but it was spent on daily need, the issues that having such a large and extended family involves."
He added at the time the family were in dire financial position and that their house had been repossessed after Mr freeman had lost his job as a labourer..
He added: "She accepts she took positive but appalling action to solve these financial problems."
Freeman, who wore a grey top and black cardigan, bowed her head in the dock as she was sentenced.
One daughter waited outside the court with her five month old baby while another daughter watched from the public gallery.
Recorder Smith said: "There are serious aggravating features in this case in my view. This was a significant sum of money to which you were not entitled. Your criminality persisted over two and a half years. You showed no sign of desisting from your offending which was only stopped by this investigation.
"This is not a victimless crime Every taxpayer in this country is contributing to the funds available to the state to support those who do need and are entitled to financial support including those who care for children with disabilities.
"There's no bottomless pit of money."
The court heard the future of her benefits claims were uncertain, and that "small amounts" may be deducted from any future claims towards the amount she had defrauded.
Freeman, her husband and nine of their children live in a rented comfortable semi-detached home in Cabus.
Her husband recently suffered a heart attack and may need further surgery.
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Wednesday 22 February 2012
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