Woman admits benefit fraud

A Glenrothes woman has admitted fraudulently claiming almost £13,000 in benefits.

Kelly Young appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court where she admitted two charges of pocketing tax credits and housing benefit.

The 25-year-old admitted falsely claiming £9,194 in tax credits from HMRC after stating that she lived alone between March 20 2015 and October 5 2016.

The young mother was living with her partner Martyn Stewart, who was in paid employment during the 15-month period.

The court also heard Young falsely claimed £3,772 in housing benefit from Fife Council.

The charge stated she failed to promptly notify the authority about a change in her circumstances which affected her entitlement.

Young, of Halidon Place in Glenrothes, spoke only to confirm her guilty plea to Sheriff Pino Di Emidio.

Various reports were called for by the sheriff ahead of sentencing, pending an assessment on her suitability for a restriction of liberty order.

The first offender was told to return to court on May 17 when she will be sentenced.

Sheriff Di Emidio said: “As you appear in front of me as a first offender, it is very important that you cooperate with these reports.”

Young admitted amended charges, which stated she had claimed £12,966 in benefits to which she was not entitled.