Mum says life is being ruined by unproven criminal allegation

By Aline Nassif

aline.nassif@essnmedia.co.uk

A mum claims her three kids are "losing out on their childhood" because of an unproven criminal allegation.

Caroline Yeoell's home in Broadcoombe, Selsdon, was raided by police in January 2007, on suspicion of money laundering.

At the time, the full-time carer was on £260 a week income support.

But in March 2009 - eight months before police dropped the case - Caroline's income support was terminated.

Caroline and her solicitor Richard Packham are waiting to hear the result of their appeal against the decision of the Department of Work and Pensions [DWP], which has been conducting its own investigation.

However, a source has told the Advertiser Caroline's case was heard in September - and that she won.

But nobody has told her or her solicitor and she is yet to see the money.

Mr Packham said: "This is really bizarre - I was on the phone to a DWP representative and I've been told no such thing.

"It doesn't surprise me the case was heard as we launched the appeal 10 months ago and have heard nothing."

As she waits for the money she feels she is owed, Caroline, 30, says she cannot give children Arthur, 12, Susanna, 5, and Jasmine, 2, the life they deserve.

She said: "I can't do what normal mums do, and take them bowling or to the cinema or to theme parks.

"We spend every weekend cooped up at home, doing nothing, because we can't afford to do anything.

"It's Susanna's birthday on February 14 but I won't be able to treat her at all."

A DWP spokeswoman refused to comment on Caroline's case, but said it was "looking into this case as a matter of urgency".

A Croydon Police spokeswoman confirmed the money laundering investigation was dropped on November 11.