Scotland's daily crime round-up on Thursday covers a benefits cheat's lengthy repayment plan, a woman accused of an XL Bully sex act failing to appear in court, a drug dealer freed early, and police investigations into alleged assaults.
Benefits cheat's £28k payback
Lesleyann McLean, 44, hid her husband from the authorities and illegally claimed £27,908. Perth Sheriff Court was told the Department for Work and Pensions is reclaiming the money at £5 per month, meaning the full sum will take more than 465 years to repay, finishing when McLean turns 510.
McLean, of Affric Avenue, Scone, admitted failing to notify the DWP of a material change in circumstances between 27 July 2020 and 4 November 2023.
Woman accused of XL Bully sex act
Stephanie Watson, 35, of Lanark, faces allegations of an 'unnatural connection' with a dog at an address in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, between June and December 2024, while on four separate bail orders. She failed to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
Watson was charged after social media footage was reported to police, prompting an investigation.
Drug dealer freed early
Jay Conway, 21, of Dundee, was jailed for 15 months in January for supplying ecstasy that killed his 16-year-old girlfriend, Lennix Hughes, at a house party in March 2023. He has been freed less than halfway through his sentence. Conway also admitted peddling Class B cannabis for over two months in a 'sophisticated operation'.
Police probe alleged assaults
In Aberdeenshire, police are investigating the alleged sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl at a playpark in Macduff on Monday, August 10, near Duff Street. Police Scotland confirmed enquiries are ongoing and said officers are following a positive line of enquiry.
In Kirkintilloch, a 17-year-old male has been arrested following the alleged rape of a teenage girl, reported on Monday, August 10. Officers are carrying out enquiries, but no further details about the girl's age or condition have been released.
