A Gloucestershire mother has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after orchestrating an elaborate scheme in which she falsely claimed her young daughter was suffering from life-threatening illnesses. The deception, which spanned several years, allowed her to fraudulently claim benefits and exploit COVID-19 support measures.
The Disturbing Details
The 37-year-old woman, whose identity remains protected to safeguard her child, convinced medical professionals that her daughter required constant care for conditions including cystic fibrosis and epilepsy. She even went as far as subjecting the child to unnecessary medical procedures.
During the pandemic, she manipulated the system further by claiming her daughter was clinically vulnerable to COVID-19, securing priority access to vaccines and additional financial support.
Justice Served at Bristol Crown Court
Judge William Hart described the case as "one of the most serious examples of child cruelty" he had encountered. The mother was found guilty of multiple charges, including child cruelty, fraud, and perverting the course of justice.
Detective Inspector Keith Smith of Gloucestershire Police praised the medical professionals who eventually uncovered the truth, stating: "This was a complex and distressing investigation that revealed years of calculated deception."
Protecting the Victim
The court heard how the child, now in the care of relatives, is thankfully in good physical health despite the years of unnecessary medical interventions. Social services continue to monitor her wellbeing.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance in identifying potential cases of fabricated illness, particularly when vulnerable children are involved.
