A UK woman who claimed that hip pain left her unable to walk, drive or work has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after admitting to fraudulently claiming Statutory Sick Pay while working for other clients and running her own body-piercing business. She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation on December 1, 2025. Claire Hopkinson, a resident of Telford, Shropshire, submitted false medical fitness certificates, WhatsApp messages and emails to support her claims that she could not perform her duties as a personal carer. However, an investigation by Telford & Wrekin Council uncovered evidence that she was working as a personal assistant for two other individuals through a private care company. Investigators also found that she had fabricated claims about hospital stays and undergoing a hip replacement operation.
She fabricated hospital stays and a hip replacement operation
Hopkinson received £3,261.65 in Statutory Sick Pay to which she was not entitled, according to the council’s investigation. Hopkinson received £3,261.65 in Statutory Sick Pay through the fraudulent claims. Following her guilty plea, the court ordered her to pay a fine and costs totalling £2,814.
Because of hip pain, the investigation found that Hopkinson had gone beyond claiming that she was unable to work. The financial consequences therefore include both the repayment of the money she received and the additional fine and court costs.
The council said the medical events she described had been fabricated. She fabricated accounts of hospital stays and claimed to have undergone a hip replacement operation, according to the council. The council said the court highlighted the seriousness of the offence, including the extent of her attempts to cover up her actions.
The investigation also uncovered false claims about hospital stays and a hip replacement operation. These claims were found to be false during the investigation. The case ultimately led to her admitting to fraud by false representation. The council’s announcement does not confirm whether the full amount has already been repaid.