I was duped over £6k ‘rebate’, OAP told cop

Court: Former husband casts doubt on tax-credits claim

A north-east pensioner told police he felt “sick” after claiming he was duped by an Aberdeenshire woman accused of 27 charges of fraud.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard yesterday David Pattillo was approached in his home by Cheryl Mitchell, who told him she was from the city council and was there to help him with rebates in November last year.

The evidence came as part of the ongoing trial of the mother-of-two, who is accused of tricking more than 20 pensioners out of almost £60,000 last year.

Police constable Kim Thomson, who was the investigating officer in the case, revealed what Mr Pattillo told her when she interviewed him in January.

Fiscal depute Alan Townsend asked her to read aloud the statement he had given.

He told the police: “I was visited in my home by a woman who said she was from the council who said she was here to help with rebates.

“She asked a lot of questions and wrote a lot down.

“I asked for her identification, but she said she had left it in the car.

“I told her I don’t do anything without my daughter’s permission and she told me she could come back, but I said no.

“I got a phone call from the fraud department of my bank telling me a number of transactions I was not aware of had taken place. In total, £5,948 had been taken.

“This incident makes me feel sick and disappointed in myself.”

The 86-year-old later identified Mitchell as the woman in question.

She is also accused of claiming more than £69,000 in benefits she was not entitled to between September 2013 and February 2015.

Her ex-husband David Mitchell also gave evidence. He was asked to look at a bank statement the pair operated.

Mr Townsend said: “Can you see on September 23, 2013, it says child tax credits £256.88?”

Mr Mitchell replied: “Yes.”

Mr Townsend asked: “Were you aware of this?”

Mr Mitchell replied: “No, how can you be claiming tax credits when you’re working?”

He was shown numerous similar entries leading up to when the pair separated in April the following year. He denied any knowledge of them.

The court heard he earnt around £2,000 a month as an oil worker and had also been employed in Abu Dhabi earning £300 a day.

Mitchell denies all the charges against her.

The trial, before Sheriff Alison Stirling, continues.

IN THE DOCK: Aberdeen Sheriff Court, where Cheryl Mitchell is being tried on charges of tricking pensioners out of £60,000