The court heard that the sisters had financial struggles in their past, having grown up in poverty and inherited debt after their mother's death.

Sara Barnbrook, 54, and her sister Jean Barnbrook, 51, were sentenced for exploiting a charity Gift Aid scam to fraudulently claim nearly £450,000 from HMRC while operating Girl Guide groups.

The sisters submitted a staggering £1.9 million in false claims using the names of unsuspecting volunteers, enabling them to steal taxpayer money intended for charitable purposes.

Sara received a three-year prison sentence for cheating the public revenue, while Jean was sentenced to 30 months for money laundering.

Prosecutor Angus MacDonald revealed that the listed donors on the fraudulent claims were unaware that their identities had been misused.

MacDonald highlighted the sisters' brazen tactics, including seeking payments for closed groups and spending substantial amounts on luxury items and leisure activities.

HMRC's fraud investigation service emphasized the seriousness of tax fraud, describing it as a crime with real consequences for society.

The fraud was uncovered when Jean Barnbrook inquired about a Gift Aid payment for a defunct Girl Guides group, prompting an HMRC investigation.

During the investigation, Sara attempted to deflect blame by submitting a fictitious letter claiming responsibility from a non-existent person named 'Louise.'

Leeds Crown Court revealed that the sisters enjoyed a lavish lifestyle funded by their fraudulent activities, including luxury holidays and home improvements.

Judge Mushtaq Khokhar condemned their actions as greedy exploitation of public funds, emphasizing the impact of tax fraud on public services and taxpayers.

HMRC's Tim Atkins remarked that the sisters betrayed the trust placed in them, and their sentences should serve as a deterrent to others considering similar fraudulent activities.