Woman admits benefits fraud

SENTENCE on a woman from Gulberwick was deferred for reports on Thursday after she admitted fraudulently obtaining almost £10,000 of benefits over a two year period.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard that Kim Newcombe had received £9,909.12 of Disability Living Allowance between 7 July 2010 and 1 May 2012 to which she not entitled.

The 46year old had failed to promptly notify the Department of Work and Pensions that her circumstances had changed in that her need for help with personal care and mobility had diminished significantly.

Newcombe was not in court on Thursday due to poor health and the difficulties she would have climbing the stairs to the first floor courtroom.

Sheriff Philip Mann deferred sentence until 27 May to allow a criminal justice social work report to be compiled.

An application by the Crown for a confiscation order to be granted will also be decided at that hearing.