A woman who filmed herself pole dancing while claiming £28,000 in benefits has been ordered to repay £13,000. Angela Clare, 45, from Pontypool, had been receiving personal independence payment (PIP), employment and support allowance (ESA), and housing benefit from 2016 to 2022. The court heard that she had misrepresented her health status, claiming she needed assistance with daily tasks when in reality, she was active in running pole dancing and yoga classes, charging £60 per person for beginner yoga classes she offered as a freelance instructor.
Clare pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly failing to notify the authorities of her changed circumstances. The prosecution presented evidence from social media posts showing Clare performing advanced pole dance moves and offering her services as an instructor. Despite winning £30,000 in the Postcode Lottery in 2021, Clare failed to update her benefit claims accordingly, resulting in a total illegal claim amount of £28,867.
As a result of her actions, Clare was sentenced to an 18-week suspended imprisonment and ordered to undergo a 10-day rehabilitation program. In a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, it was revealed that Clare had benefited £27,412 but only had assets worth £13,176. Judge Carl Harrison ruled that Clare must repay the sum of £13,176 within three months.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accurately reporting changes in circumstances when receiving benefits to ensure fairness and integrity in the welfare system.