A woman who fraudulently claimed thousands of pounds in disability benefits by pretending she could barely walk was caught running a takeaway. Julie Smith, 47, from Wishaw, Lanarkshire, admitted providing false information to obtain £13,720.17 from Social Security Scotland between August 2022 and March 2024.
Surveillance caught her working
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that Smith applied for adult disability payment, claiming constant pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis, as well as anxiety. After consulting her GP, officials awarded a lump sum of £2,147.95 and monthly payments of £505.40. However, a tip-off led investigators to JM Munchies in Coatbridge, where Smith was working full-time.
Prosecutor Cameron Murdoch said: "The accused had claimed she was unable to cook meals without her daughter's help. She said she couldn't wash or bathe herself and was unable to walk further than 20 metres. Social Security Scotland investigators set up surveillance and video recordings of her. She was seen preparing and cooking food and serving customers while standing for long periods."
Driving and shopping despite claims
Investigators also observed Smith driving to shops alone, pushing trolleys, and loading bags of shopping into her car. When confronted, she claimed she had "good days and bad days" and believed she had done nothing wrong. She told officials that she and her partner had set up JM Munchies, but it failed because she was not fit enough to manage. She said medication allowed her to work, but she paid for it at night when in pain.
Court sentencing
Defence lawyer Frances Taylor noted Smith has not repaid the money but remains on benefits, from which deductions will be made. Sheriff Maria Kicinski told Smith, a first offender: "This is a serious offence involving defrauding the public purse over a period of years. The Crown narrative suggests it was fairly blatant. A substantial amount was claimed." Smith received a 50-day electronic tagging order, confining her to home between 7pm and 7am.
