During a period of unemployment in mid-1996, Sarah Kerr was claiming Job Seekers Allowance, Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit while she looked for work. After a few months she was offered a temporary job and visited her local Job Centre to let them know. She was subsequently offered a permanent position and settled back into full employment.

In the summer of 1997 Sarah was summoned to court to answer changes of benefit fraud. Her solicitor informed her that she had only one chance of avoiding prison — to plead guilty. So, despite initially refusing, she reluctantly agreed and was convicted.

The next twenty years were a living nightmare for Sarah.

She lost her job. She lost her home. She struggled every day just to survive.

Determined to clear her name and reveal the injustice she suffered, Sarah has finally found a solicitor prepared to represent her and has lodged an appeal with the court.

This is her story.

Sarah Kerr

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