Aberdeen benefits cheat claimed more than £19,000

AN ABERDEEN woman who falsely claimed more than £19,000 in benefits has been spared jail.

Arlenne Mawdsley, 38, whose address was given in court papers as 121 Woodend Crescent, Aberdeen, claimed income support when her partner was working.

The benefit fraud, to which Mawdsley previously pleaded guilty, happened between May 30, 2005, and July 28, 2008.

At Aberdeen Sheriff Court her defence agent said a report by Mawdsley’s doctor said she had significant mental health problems and a substantial history of poor mental health.

Sheriff Edward Savage placed Mawdsley on three years’ probation and ordered her to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the community.