A mother of 12 from England has been accused of stealing over $12,000 in change from parking meters. Cheryl Prudham, 34, has been in the public eye before, mainly for receiving over $49,000 a year in welfare, earning her the nickname “Queen of Benefits” in the media.
Earlier this year, Cheryl was seen at a car dealership near her home in Wigan, Lancashire, reportedly shopping for a Mercedes.
Her estranged husband, Robert Prudham, 31, has been charged with stealing $12,886 from parking meters and failing to disclose past criminal convictions to a recruitment firm. Cheryl is accused of handling the stolen money.
Another person, Jacob Undertown, 27, is also facing the same charges. The three are accused of taking cash and coins from various parking lots in Maidstone, Kent. They all deny the allegations and are set to stand trial in November.
Cheryl works part-time as a cleaner. She had six children from two previous relationships before having another six with Robert.
The couple split after Cheryl claimed she caught Robert in a situation that led her to end the relationship.
“I don’t want another relationship because they are too much work. I was hurt by Robert and find it difficult to trust again,” she said.
Despite the breakup, Cheryl recently shared that she wants another child and plans to use a sperm donor. She says she enjoys being pregnant.
When Cheryl and Robert were together, they reportedly received $73,626 a year in benefits and managed to avoid a $31,899 benefits cap. If she has a 13th child, Cheryl could qualify for more financial support, according to reports.
“Another baby would mean more benefits, so why not?” she said.
She also mentioned she wants to use some of the money for cosmetic procedures.
“I’ve spent most of my life having babies, so I want to do something for myself,” she said.
Cheryl added that she is not interested in dating anymore and finds happiness in having children.