no not directly but i have the file they are using against me with various dates over a 2 year period i dont see how they have come to the £12,000 figure

hello all im new to the forum right here goes ill try and keep it as short as possible! basically ive got myself into a spot of trouble. the DWP fraud officers have interviewed me for failing to notify change in circumstances as i was claiming jobseekers council tax benefit and housing benefit and working for an employment agency odd days here and there to be honest i didnt want to have to keep notifying the DWP of my earnings as the forms were just to much for me i know it was wrong doing that and i do feel guilty but at the time i really was struggling to make ends meet have 3 kids! to cut a long story short they are prosecuting me for the offence as the amount they are claiming is owed amounts to £12,000 i cant afford a solicitor and want to represent myself i feel confident enough to do it my argument is this figure isnt right its way over the top. went to magistrates court yesterday is has been ajourned for "an all options and probation report" i spoke to a solicitor who said this can either be good or bad i need a defence statement which will hold up in court i want to dispute the amount now do i need to obtain a statement of earnings from my previous employer and the evidence from the DWP and what about an advance disclosure from the prosecutor? to enable me to challenge them i accept what ever punishment i get as ive already entered an early guilty plea but i just want argue the amount im hoping someone here has some legal advice they can offer id hope the courts would take into consideration this and the fact im representing myself any advice folks