Fraudster sentenced

‘THIS country has a relatively generous welfare state, but it relies on honesty,’ a sheriff told a woman who pleaded guilty to obtaining money by deception.

Sheriff Patrick Hughes was speaking as he sentenced Heather Campbell, 27, to 160 hours of unpaid work on a community payback order.

Campbell, of Flat C, Albert Place, Burnbank Street, Campbeltown had previously pleaded guilty to two charges.

The first charge was that between December 9, 2013, and September 16, 2016, she had made false statements or representations to the Department of Work and Pensions to claim £8,000 in benefits.

Campbell claimed she was a lone parent, with two dependent children, when in fact she was living with a man who was in paid employment.

The second charge related to a claim, between the same dates, to Argyll and Bute council, for housing benefit and council tax reduction also to the value of £8,000.

Her defence solicitor said that since the crimes were discovered Campbell has been trying to repay some of the money.

She has had to use the food bank to support her family.

He added that she is exceptionally sorry for her actions.

Imposing the work order, Sheriff Hughes added that Campbell had been very honest with the police, bu that if the work was not completed custody would be the result.