Benefit cheat claimed £30k

A WOMAN pocketed £30,000 after hatching a scam which fooled social security bosses, a court has heard.

Susan Sime, 37, pleaded guilty to obtaining tens of thousands of pounds in council tax benefit and housing benefit in a fraud which lasted almost five years.

Yesterday, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard how Sime, of Hutchison View, repeatedly lied to city council officials about her status, pretending that she rented her home from her husband when she was joint owner of the property.

Sentence was deferred until February 28.