The Telford & Wrekin Council’s investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme of false medical fitness certificates, WhatsApp messages, and emails that painted Hopkinson as unable to work due to hip pain.
Council officers uncovered that, contrary to her claims, she was employed as a personal assistant for two clients through a private care company and also ran a local body‑piercing shop during the same period.
On Dec 1 2025, the magistrate’s court found her guilty of fraud by false representation, citing the fabricated hospital stays and claimed hip‑replacement operation.
The court imposed a £2,814 fine and a repayment order of £3,261.65, bringing the total financial penalty to over £6,000, and directed her to return the illicitly received sick pay directly to the council.
Councillor Richard Overton, deputy leader of Telford & Wrekin, warned that such fraud diverts vital resources from genuine beneficiaries and urged residents to report suspected fraud to protect public funds.