An Angus woman who admitted a five-figure benefit fraud has avoided jail for the offence which happened after she made up with her ex.
For almost four years Jennifer Anderson falsely claimed was living alone, but was actually under the same roof as her previously estranged partner.
She has already paid back a sizeable chunk of the £15,500 she falsely claimed in an offence which her solicitor said had left the 36-year-old “embarrassed and ashamed”.
Anderson, of Kingennie Road, Wellbank, had previously admitted fraudulently claiming £15,500 in benefits between November 21 2010 and October 5 2014.
Sentence had been deferred for reports after she earlier pleaded guilty to a single charge under the Social Security Administration Act of obtaining housing benefit and council tax benefit by falsely stating she was living alone, the truth being that her partner was living with her.
Anderson was originally charged with falsely claiming £21,453 but a guilty plea to the amended total was accepted by the Crown.
A not guilty plea to a further charge of obtaining £1,215 income support she was not entitled to between December 2011 and April 2012 was also accepted.
Defence solicitor Nick Markowski said: “She had been estranged from her partner but they were reconciled and she did not report it.
“She has no previous convictions and, whilst a custodial sentence is an option, she has made significant repayments and will continue to do so as long as she continues in employment.”
The court heard Ms Anderson has three children who relied on her “financially, practically and emotionally.”
Mr Markowski continued: “She is embarrassed, ashamed and remorseful and would not want to repeat this.”
Sheriff Derek Reekie told the accused: “This is a serious offence involving a substantial amount of money and at this level a custodial sentence has to be a considered.
“However, there are no previous convictions. I recognise you have been paying back this money.
“You have told your employer, who has stuck by you, and I note your expression of remorse,” he added.
“Given that you pleaded guilty at the intermediate diet, I will not impose the maximum 300 hours community payback order for unpaid work but will reduce this to 280 hours to be completed over 12 months.”
