Jet-setting Fraudster Dodges Jail

A 58-year-old benefit claimant who defrauded the taxpayer out of more than £40,000 for a string of extravagant foreign holidays has tearfully walked free from court. Susan Pearson, a divorcee from Platt Bridge, Wigan, had spent five years flying to destinations like Cyprus, Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Tunisia, while fraudulently claiming Universal Credit and a council tax discount. Her jet-setting lifestyle earned her the nickname "Miss Holiday" from friends and was openly documented on social media, with one caption cheekily reading: "About time - not had a holiday since last week."

Fraudulent Claims Uncovered by Data Match

Pearson’s dishonesty was ultimately exposed by welfare officials. A data match between government agencies and financial institutions revealed she had undeclared savings with Nationwide and a Co-Funds investment account from which she had made a £13,000 lump sum withdrawal. Prosecutors told the court she had initially claimed to be "single, unemployed and had no savings, income, investments or other capital." When confronted, she insisted some of the money was spent on home repairs, including "windows, roof repair and a door." Despite also claiming a £55 per week carer's allowance for her 83-year-old mother, the court learned she had been siphoning off more than £40,000 in fraudulent payments.

Tears as Judge Spares Jail Time

At Bolton Crown Court, Pearson admitted to two charges of dishonestly failing to disclose information. Her defense lawyer, Martin Pizzey, described her as "rather fragile and very worried and frightened by the whole process," adding that she "knows she did something wrong." Speaking from the dock, Pearson stated, "I do not understand these things—I am not very bright."

Despite facing a possible two-year prison sentence under sentencing guidelines, Judge Nicholas Clarke KC showed leniency. He told Pearson, "I am sure you are thoroughly ashamed of yourself to be in the dock at that age." The judge acknowledged that she had "lost her good name" but decided against a custodial sentence, instead ordering her to use her savings to repay the £40,334.21 she stole, along with the £536 council tax discount. "In my judgment, that should be sufficient to let her start again," he concluded, adding that her prompt admission of guilt was also a factor in his decision.

The case comes as government figures reveal a record high in Universal Credit claims this summer, with over one million more people now claiming the benefit compared to the same period last year.