A woman raked in over £70,000 in benefits by pretending to live alone – but walked free from court thanks to her mental health struggles and caring duties.
Donna Palmer’s £70k Benefit Scam
Donna Palmer, 48, from Minsterworth near Gloucester, admitted to swindling £70,430.05 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit over six years from January 2017 to November 2023.
Palmer claimed she was single and living alone when applying for ESA in 2017. The truth? Her partner, Stephen Wheeler, had been living with her for five years while working. Plus, Palmer allegedly earned money working at a local pub without declaring it.
Benefit Blunder Uncovered
- Officials found the couple lived together the whole time, making Palmer ineligible for £26,780.96 in ESA and £42,184.19 in Housing Benefit.
- She also wrongly claimed £1,464.88 in Universal Credit, including child benefits for her daughter – who actually lived with her dad and began working in 2023.
- Partner Wheeler got off with an out-of-court disposal for his involvement.
Court Shows Mercy Over Health and Family
Palmer’s lawyer described her as a vulnerable woman battling anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and heart risks. She relies heavily on her partner to handle paperwork due to dyslexia and a special education needs background.
“She is deeply remorseful and frightened by these proceedings,” said defence solicitor Blaise Shervington.
Palmer is also the main carer for her daughter, who suffers from osteitis fibrosa, a painful bone condition.
Despite sympathy, magistrates warned: “£70k is a significant sum of public money.”
Suspended Sentence & Payback Demanded
Palmer received a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months. She must complete 20 rehabilitation days and follow an 18-month mental health treatment plan.
She will repay the stolen cash from her £2,200 monthly benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed they expect full recovery of the money.
