Supervision for benefits fraud

A WOMAN who fraudulently obtained benefits amounting to over £2,000 has been placed under supervision for nine months.

Nicole McLatchie, whose address was given as Herrislea Court, Gott, previously admitted at Lerwick Sheriff Court to receiving income support of £1,250 to which she was not entitled to from the Department of Work and Pensions between 4 October 2013 and 6 June 2014.

She also pled guilty to obtaining by fraud £1,000 in housing benefit and council tax reduction from Shetland Islands Council between 7 October 2013 and 3 April 2014

In both instances the 24 year old told authorities she was a single mother living with one child, whereas she was actually living with her partner.

At the court on Wednesday, defence agent Tommy Allan said the offences happened at a “chaotic” time in his client’s life following a relationship break-up. She has since moved away from Shetland, he added.

The solicitor said a suggestion from a social work report to place McLatchie under supervision would allow her to organise her financial arrangements for repayment.