£25k benefit claim fraud

A WOMAN admitted conning the benefits system out of £25,000 by pretending she was a single mum.

Patricia Sullivan, 53, told the Department of Work and Pensions she lived alone and had a child to look after while she was living with and being supported by her husband James, who was working at the time, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard.

The fraud was discovered during DWP audit.

Sullivan, of The Square, Newtongrange, admitted fraudulently claiming Income Support Benefit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit between July 29, 2005, and April 1, 2008.

Sheriff Isabella McColl deferred sentence for background reports to be prepared until next month when pleas in mitigation will also be heard.