A woman who fraudulently claimed nearly £28,000 in benefits has been given almost 500 years to repay the money.
Court order and repayment schedule
Lesleyann McLean, 44, from Scone, near Perth, admitted failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of a change in her circumstances. She had claimed universal credit as a single person while living with her husband, Barry McLean.
Perth Sheriff Court heard that the DWP is recovering the overpayment at a rate of £5 per month. At this rate, it would take more than 465 years to repay the £27,908 illegally claimed between July 27, 2020, and November 4, 2023.
Sentencing and defence
Sheriff William Wood imposed a 12-month curfew instead of a prison sentence. He said: "What is beyond doubt is that fraud of this kind affects all of us because it means there is more money for you that you are not entitled to - and less for the other people who are entitled to it."
Defence solicitor Kirsty Watson said her client was "not funding a lavish lifestyle" but had used the money for household bills and to support her son, who struggled with drug addiction and debts. Watson added: "She is remorseful and recovery of the over-payment has commenced at £5 per month."
