A WIRRAL mother who falsely claimed £57,000 in benefits walked free from court today because of her sick teenage son.

A judge told Angela Wingate, who actually worked for the Department for Work and Pensions, that her offending behaviour was so serious a custodial sentence was justified - but he had decided to suspend it.

“The only thing that has saved you from an immediate term of imprisonment is the concern I have for the welfare of your son,” said Judge Andrew Menary, QC.

“I am not satisfied his welfare would be properly met if you were in custody."

Wingate had obtained a total of £86,000 over four-and-a-half years by exaggerating her health problems and falsely claiming she was a single mum.

Liverpool Crown Court heard she would have been entitled to about £29,000.

The 45-year-old initially claimed Disability Living Allowance legitimately because of mobility problems, but her condition improved and she did not notify the DWP of this.

She claimed she could barely walk, regularly fell and needed someone with her seven days a week.

But surveillance by investigators showed her walking without aids, and on return from holiday in Turkey with her husband, was seen walking along dragging a large bag, said Simon Berkson, prosecuting.

Colleagues at work also saw her walking unaided and making tea, he added.

Wingate obtained tax credits by purporting to be a single mum but she was actually living with her husband, whom she had married in 1997.

Judge Menary said that he had no doubt she has and has had significant health issues and initially claimed DLA legitimately but her condition improved “sufficiently to be able to manage at work and home without too much difficulty.”

He continued, “It is this sort of case, exaggerated claims for DLA which really annoy the public, really annoy decent honest members of the public especially those who have genuine health concerns. Those who are often fighting for limited funds to assist with real and genuine problems.”

Judge Menary added “There is some evidence that the money was used to fund a rather nice lifestyle that otherwise would not have been affordable.”

He told her he accepted she was undoubtedly the primary carer for her 13-year-old son who has various health problems and her husband, an auditor for Cosco, would find it difficult to look after him and keep his job.

Wingate, of Hinderton Road, Birkenhead, pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change in circumstances to obtain DLA and being concerned in fraudulent activity to obtain tax credits.

The offences occurred between April 2009 and December 2014.

Judge Menary sentenced her to 11 months' imprisonment suspended for two years and placed her under supervision for 12 months.

He also imposed a six-month electronically monitored curfew between 8pm and 6am.

David Polglase, defending, said the conviction would affect her employment prospects.

Wingate, who has no previous convictions, has chronic back pain, orthopaedic problems, a tremor and depression.

if she went to prison her husband’s work pattern would cause him difficulties in looking after their son and if he had to give up work to do so there would be no bread winner in the household, he added.