A scheming benefits cheat who fraudulently claimed £33,000 after she received £280,000 in inheritance has avoided a fine. 

Aimee Jeffrey, 37, started claiming Universal Credit in 2020, but one year later came into a 'substantial' inheritance claim from her late step-mother to the tune of £280,000.

According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), she then squandered this money on expensive clothing and lavish holidays.

The mother-of-five then went on to claim £33,000 in benefits, even though she no longer qualified, and used this money to clear her debts and start a business, a court was told.

However, that business failed - and the fraudster is now 'in the throes of debt'.

Jeffrey, from Portsmouth, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to one count of dishonestly failing to notify change of circumstances affecting entitlement to social security benefit.

At Portsmouth Magistrates' Court, Jeffrey was seen outside carrying what appeared to be a designer Chloe handbag.

Prosecutor Noel Watkins said: 'There is a Universal Credit payment to her for a declaration she made in 2020. 

'But she had a significant change to her circumstances, in inheritance from her late step-mother.

'From 2022 she received an overpayment of £33,000 - it's a substantial amount to take from the public purse. All of that money has gone now.'

Lewis Foster, defending, said: 'She pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and accepts responsibility.

'She was appointed as executor for her step-mother, and was responsible for the funeral arrangements, while also keeping employment and looking after her five children.

'All of the money inherited was used to clear existing debts and establish a business. That business failed, and she finds herself back in the throes of debt.'

Sentencing, Judge David Robinson weighed up the possibility of giving Jeffrey a community order, but settled on a suspended sentence.

He said: 'Benefits are reserved for those who are entitled to them - initially, you were one of those people. 

'You enriched yourself, and your behaviour undermines the faith that the public has in the benefits system.

'I make no application for compensation, but the authorities will recoup from your existing benefits payments.'

Jeffrey was given a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for one year, with 15 rehabilitation days. She must also pay a £154 surcharge, and costs of £85.

After her sentencing, minister for transformation, Andrew Western MP, said: 'The message is clear - don't think you can steal from hardworking taxpayers.

'Whatever your reasons for committing benefit fraud, know that our investigators are wise to every trick in the book and we will find you.

'And if you know somebody is fleecing the system, report it.'