By Sammie Jones-
A tight and depressed lottery winner who won £300k on the national lottery continue to claim benefits despite no longer needed the money.
Lesley Thomas pleaded guilty to failing to inform Merthyr Tydfil Council of her change of circumstances relating to the housing benefit she was receiving between April 2015 and November 2015. Thomas who suffered with depression and anxiety despite the big win, also pleaded guilty to failing to inform the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) about her change of circumstances between April 2015 and February 2018
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Thomas, from Merthyr Tydfil has no partner or children, even after bagging the life changing sum after getting 5 numbers and the bonus from the national lottery. She was handed a 26-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and a 12-week tagged curfew . The lottery winner suffers from a number of health issues that require ongoing attention from careers
She was said to have numerous health issues which require the ongoing support of carers on a daily basis, especially to help her carry out daily chores.
Prosecutor Monique McKevitt said: ‘Miss Thomas received a sum of £300,000 as a lottery win from Camelot UK.
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‘But she failed to tell the authorities and kept claiming housing benefit and employment and support allowance.
‘Ms Thomas was interviewed on March 15 last year. She admitted that she had claimed the fraudulent funds. The payment has been paid back in full. She was given a 26 weeks jil sentence suspended for 12months and also ordered to pay £200 in costs and was handed a 12-week tagged curfew.
Mrs Morris said: “[The offence] was over a long period of time and we did find that it was a deliberate act.”
Image: Jonathan Myers
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