A CARLISLE mother’s five-year £57,000 benefits fiddle was exposed by Facebook evidence which showed she was living with her partner.

The city’s crown court heard Nichola Darboe, 46, initially lodged a legitimate claim for housing benefit and tax credits.

This was on the grounds that she was a lone parent with two children in receipt of low income. Benefits were paid by automated transfer into her bank account.

“Money was paid on the basis she would notify HMRC and the local authority of any change in circumstances which would affect her entitlement,” said prosecutor Peter Wilson.

But Darboe failed to declare that she was maintaining a common law household with a partner from early March, 2017. On several occasions there was contact between her and the agencies involved, but no change was declared.

“Evidence was taken from Facebook that they were living together,” said Mr Wilson. “A bank loan and bank account had been taken out by him at the address.

“Bank statements taken from (the man) showed a standing order for £400 per month into Ms Darboe’s bank account.”

Just under £50,000 had been dishonestly obtained in tax credits and almost £8,000 in housing benefit from Carlisle CIty Council. The total amount of overpayment between March, 2017, and late May, 2022, was £57,757.18.

“The Crown say it is high culpability due to a prolonged period of fraudulent activity,” said Mr Wilson.

Darboe, of Broomgarth, Blackwell, Carlisle, admitted two offences of fraud with an average of £200 a week having been illegally taken.

Defence lawyer Sean Harkin said: “The main mitigating features in this case are the lack of a lavish lifestyle, previous good character and the fact that the defendant is the main carer for two children.”

Darboe was suitable for rehabilitation in the community, the court heard, and had been vulnerable at the start of the offending period following an abusive previous relationship.

“She is making repayments to Carlisle City Council at the moment and once she is finished making these payments she will address the debt she owes the Department for Work and Pensions. She has tried to make good on the overpayments that have been made,” said Mr Harkin.

“She is employed as a carer. There is a shortage of carers in this country. If she was imprisoned there would be an impact on her employer and those that she cares for in a professional capacity.

“It is also better for the victim — the taxpayer — if she is able to remain in employment so she can continue to make these repayments.”

Mr Harkin added: “She is very sorry. She has never been in court before and it has not been a pleasant experience.”

Judge Nicholas Barker suspended an eight-month prison term for two years, accepting Darboe’s remorse. She must complete 180 hours’ unpaid work.

A further court hearing will take place later this month as the prosecution decide whether to claw back ill-gotten gains under tough Proceeds of Crime Act legislation.

“It is often said that offences like these are like a dripping tap. It drips £200 per week over five years and that amounts to what is a significant amount of money,” said Judge Barker.