Chesterfield mother-of-three claimed £13,000 in benefits unlawfully because her 'domineering' partner told her to

Kirsty Louise Finnegan appeared before Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 21, to be sentenced after previously admitting three counts of benefit fraud on September 23.

The 26-year-old failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions that she was living with her partner, identified in court as Daniel Hall, while claiming benefits as a single mother between November 2016 and October 2018.

She also admitted two counts of failing to notify Chesterfield Borough Council of her change of circumstances between November 2016 and October 2017, and again from April to November 2018.

Prosecuting, Bill Taylor told the court that initially, Finnegan, of Gorse Valley Way, Hasland, had initially made the claims legitimately, but had failed to notify authorities when her partner moved in.

He said: “She was receiving Income Support for herself and her children and received money on the basis that she was a single person. An investigation started because it was believed that she was living with her partner, and being supported by another person who was working, and she had a duty to notify the Government of her change of circumstances.

“They looked at her TV Licence and discovered that someone called Daniel Hall was living with her.

“She initially denied living with Mr Hall from 2016, but said that in 2018 she contacted the Job Centre to say that he had moved back in, but then had to call back later to say that he had moved out again.

“She later admitted that he had moved in in November 2016 and she had failed to declare it. He told her not to declare it. They had children and he didn’t help enough financially.”

Magistrates gave Finnegan a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and must complete 10 rehabilitation activity days with the Probation Service.

She was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Speaking in her own defence, Finnegan said: “I completely regret what I did, and I just want to say that I’m really sorry. He was quite domineering in the relationship.”

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