Inverness fraudster given 'last chance' to repay £10k of unlawfully obtained benefits
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A 40-year-old Inverness woman who unlawfully obtained benefits totalling over £10,000 has been given another six months to repay the money or be jailed.
Sentence had previously been deferred for a year for Laura Frost, of Rosehaugh Road, to continue repaying the cash but Sheriff Sara Matheson was told that she had failed to make restitution in that time.
She had admitted fraudulently receiving £6004.25 of income support and £4255.15 in housing benefit between April 24, 2018 and September 22, 2019.
Fiscal depute David Morton said she had failed to declare she was cohabiting but still made claims as a single parent.
The court heard that Frost had been separated from her husband but became unwell at the end of 2018 and he returned home to assist with the care of their children.
Defence solicitor Marc Dickson told Inverness Sheriff Court his client had health difficulties and there was confusion about whether the money would be deducted at source by her new employers.
He added: "She is willing to make a significant impact by making a £100-a-month payment."
Frost will return on February 1 next year but Sheriff Matheson warned her: "This is your last chance. If repayment can't be made, it will be jail."
