The 63-year-old had purchased a car and distributed the money around her family whilst still claiming more than £27,000 in a little under two years
17:44, 05 Jan 2026Updated 20:54, 05 Jan 2026
A woman who inherited her dad’s £120,000 estate when he died failed to declare it to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Susan Rouse continued to claim universal credit, failing to declare a change of financial circumstances which would have affected her right to it.
Cardiff Crown Court heard how the 63-year-old, from Harbour Walk in Barry, had purchased a car and distributed the money around her family, whilst still claiming more than £27,000 in a little under two years.
Rouse appeared before the court having previously pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify the DWP about a change of circumstance affecting her right to universal credit. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.
In mitigation Kirsten Murphy, for Rouse, said: “Ms Rouse has no previous convictions and has never been before court. She is utterly ashamed to find herself in this position, and knows she will never be in position again.
“She is truly remorseful and fully accepts she should have informed the DWP when she received inheritance money. She has already paid £9,000 back. I ask you to consider suspending any term of imprisonment.”
Judge Lucy Crowther, sentencing Rouse, told her that she was aware that she needed to report any change of circumstances and that she had signed documents acknowledging she was required to do so.
She said: “In April 2022 your father died leaving you £120,000, the extent of his estate. You knew perfectly well if you told the DWP that your universal credit would come to an end.
“You bought a car and distributed the money around your family before being discovered. More than £27,000 was overpaid.
“This was a legitimate claim from the outset that became fraudulent. You should be utterly ashamed about your callous, selfish action to indulge in your family.”
Rouse was sentenced to a 20-week suspended prison sentence and ordered to carry out a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.