An Angus woman has been warned to expect a prison sentence after admitting benefit fraud charges totalling more than £20,000.
Kristen Herald obtained a range of benefits over two years when she failed to declare that someone was living with her at a property in Arbroath.
The 27-year-old was originally accused of obtaining sums totalling over £31,000, but admitted amended charges at Forfar sheriff court involving £22,000.
A sheriff has deferred sentence for the preparation of a social work report, but warned Herald that the sums involved have put her at serious risk of a jail term.
Herald, of Great Michael Road, Arbroath admitted that between March 13 2012 and May 30 2014, at her home address, she knowingly failed to declare that there was a male residing at the claim address.
As a result, Herald obtained housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support of £10,000 to which she was not entitled.
She had originally been charged with obtaining more £14,700 illegally.
The accused further admitted between March 2012 and June 2014 that she was knowingly concerned in fraudulent activity to obtain working tax credit and child tax credit by again failing to declare that the male was residing in the household, thereby obtaining £12,000 of payments to which she was not entitled.
The original sum in that charge was more than £16,400.
Sheriff Gregor Murray deferred sentence until October 20 for the preparation of a background report, but warned Herald that she is facing a spell behind bars.
“You should be aware that given the amounts involved, there is very much a likelihood of a custodial sentence.
“It is very much in your interest to co-operate fully with the preparation of the reports,” the sheriff added.
