Judith Blackmore, 64, has admitted to fraud charges after failing to disclose important information to East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) between 2018 and 2024. During this time, Blackmore claimed she was single, had no savings or income, and was living in a shared tenancy with a man who was later revealed to be her husband. This false information allowed her to claim benefits she was not entitled to. The DWP conducted an investigation into Blackmore’s social media accounts, where photos of a wedding reception and a honeymoon were found. These images contradicted her earlier claims of being single. In total, Blackmore overclaimed £44,415, including £40,023 in universal credit and a £4,392 discount on her council tax. An investigation also found that Blackmore had informed the council she had moved to an address in Beverley and updated her housing costs. However, bank statements revealed a significant financial relationship between Blackmore and her partner, with £96,000 transferred to her accounts and £73,000 sent from her to his. The couple had presented themselves as a couple to their landlord when they began their tenancy, and a marriage certificate confirmed they had married in May 2024. This further highlighted the discrepancy between the information Blackmore provided to authorities and the reality of her situation. As a result of her actions, Blackmore was given a 16-month suspended sentence, meaning she will not serve time in prison unless she commits another offense. She was also required to complete 120 hours of unpaid community work. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty in benefit claims and the consequences of fraud.