Benefit cheat mum has to repay £22k after being caught by Facebook post

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3 days ago

Benefit cheat mum has to repay £22k after being caught by Facebook post
She was running marathons while claiming thousands in PIP per month for her ill health
She was competing in marathons while claiming thousands in PIP for being so unwell she was unable to bathe unassisted
(Image: Instagram/Stone Master Marathoners )
A benefits swindler who pocketed more than £20,000 in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) whilst participating in numerous running events has been ordered to pay back the money. Sara Morris was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005 but exaggerated her condition in 2020 to claim benefits.
The mother-of-three fibbed about the severity of her MS by stating she could not even stand at the cooker, had balance issues, and struggled to get out of the bath without help. She also claimed that leaving the house caused her so much anxiety that even a trip to the chemist to pick up her medication left her in tears, reports Stoke-on-Trent Live.
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Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that she received £2,292.63 in PIP each month, and failed to inform the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) that she was actually a member of the Stone Master Marathoners and regularly participated in 5km and 10km races. Her own Facebook posts of her running exposed her deceit.
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Sara Morris pictured at court
(Image: Stoke-on-Trent Live )
Morris, from Walton Way, Stone, was overpaid £20,528.83 between October 20, 2020 and April 25, 2023.
She admitted to dishonestly making a false statement to obtain a benefit and was sentenced to eight months in prison last July.
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The 50-year-old has reappeared at the same court for a Proceeds of Crime hearing. Judge Graeme Smith was informed that Morris had profited £22,386.02 from her criminal activities and the available amount was £60,000.
The court heard investigators carried out surveillance on Morris from February 5 to February 20, 2023. Prosecutor Regan Walters said: "On February 5 she took part in a five-mile race and was seen running without assistance and showed no signs of balance problems. On February 11 she was seen running with the Stone Master Marathoners and showed no signs of discomfort."
The investigation revealed that Morris competed in 73 races between May 2019 and December 2022.
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Sara Morris, 50
(Image: Instagram )
When interviewed on May 11, 2023, the defendant claimed her MS had worsened and she was suffering from fatigue. However, she confirmed she had been a member of Stone Master Marathoners running club prior to making her claim.
She added that she had filled in her PIP form on her worst day.
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Paul Cliff, defending, said Morris was diagnosed with MS 19 years ago and that the severity of its impact varies.
"But it is accepted by her that the application did not give the full picture. It crossed over into the realms of dishonesty," Mr Cliff said.
He said Morris's marriage broke down in the spring of 2020, and that Morris did not enjoy a lavish lifestyle as a result of her fraudulent claim.
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"She lost her home because of financial problems and was struggling to keep her head above water financially.
"The application did not give the full picture. She did say running was one of the ways she tried to manage her MS. She has found it difficult to come to terms with her dishonesty."
The judge ordered Morris to repay £22,386.02 within 28 days or face nine months in prison. Morris must also pay a £187 surcharge.