Woman stole £6000 with benefit scam

A BENEFITS cheat stole £6000 by milking the system for four years, a court heard.

Carolanne Abercrombie told the Department of Work and Pensions that she was living on her own. But the truth was she stayed with her husband James, officials learned.

Abercrombie, 44, of Whitburn, pleaded guilty through a lawyer to obtaining Income Support to which she wasn't entitled between November 2006 and June 2010.

The first offender, who did not attend the hearing at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday, admitted failing to notify DWP officials that she was "maintaining a common household".

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said the Crown was pursuing her under proceeds of crime legislation to reclaim the cash. He asked the court to impose a compensation order.

Sheriff Douglas Kinloch deferred sentence for a social inquiry report and the accused's personal appearance.

He also postponed consideration of the Proceeds of Crime Order until it could be formally served on the accused. Defence lawyer Ian Smith said that Abercrombie was willing to repay all the money.