August sentence for benefit fraudster who was put under surveillance

42-year-old was overpaid more than £3,000

A Douglas woman will be sentenced next month after claiming more than £3,000 in benefits she wasn’t entitled to.

Laura Jane Middleton, of Willaston Crescent, claimed benefits as a single person between October 2023 and February this year.

However surveillance on the 42-year-old’s property, instigated by Treasury, showed her partner was living with her during that time and financially supporting her.  

Middleton later pleaded guilty to failing to inform the government department that her circumstances had changed and making a false representation to obtain benefits.

At Douglas Courthouse it was revealed that her social media profile had been monitored as well as her bank records which showed the man had made regular transfers to her including for a holiday.

It meant she was overpaid £3,448.84 in taxpayer backed support.

Middleton’s advocate told the court she’d offended at a time of ‘personal crisis’ adding: “She certainly made errors of judgement.”

Addressing sentencing options Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood said Middleton’s offer of repaying the money at a rate of £10 per week from benefits was ‘not going to be enough’.

Noting she was already in ‘significant debt’ she added: “It does seem surprising money was being spent on holidays.”

Sentencing was adjourned so that input from the probation service can be sought; Middleton will now be sentenced on 27 August and was bailed until that date.