An Angus woman has avoided prison over a five-figure benefit fraud.
Carla Hendry of Arbroath claimed a range of benefits over more than two years after pretending to be on her own but all the time was living with her partner.
Hendry, of Warddykes Path, appeared for sentence before Sheriff Derek Reekie at Forfar having previously pled guilty to three charges relating to the offences, which happened between October 2015 and November 2017.
The 34-year-old obtained a total of £11,570 in benefits including income support and child tax credits, while failing to declare she was living with partner Martyn Levett.
Defence solicitor Billy Rennie said: “Not surprisingly given the nature of the charges, she accepts that has to be repaid.”
Sheriff Reekie said: “I take account of the fact you have no previous convictions of any sort and the question of repayment will be dealt with, regardless of what happens here.
“The court must give serious consideration to a custodial sentence but there is an appropriate alternative.”
Hendry was ordered to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work under a 12-month community payback order.
