Woman who faked terminal illness for €60k welfare scam jailed for three years

Samantha Cookes, who falsely claimed she was terminally ill to receive €60,000 in welfare, has been jailed for deception and theft

Samantha Cookes at Tralee Court in Tralee Co Kerry. Picture: Domnick Walsh

A 36-year-old woman has been sentenced to four years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, after pleading guilty to 18 counts of deception and theft.

Samantha Cookes fraudulently claimed more than €60,000 in welfare and disability payments by falsely stating she was terminally ill.