Too ill for work but seen on till

Feb 23 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

SWINDLER Carol Ann Scott claimed she was unable to work due to a heart condition and back pain.

But investigators filmed the 59-year-old, who was previously of an impeccable character, stacking supermarket shelves, working on a till and helping customers by lifting heavy goods.

Yesterday Scott, of Shield Row Gardens, Stanley, County Durham, who had previously admitted falsely claiming £10,533 in incapacity benefits and disability living allowance, appeared for sentencing at Durham Magistrates Court.

Allan Devine, prosecuting on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions, said Scott was working as a cashier and general assistant at Elcoat and Eager store in Washington Galleries shopping centre.

She made the false claims over a year between May 2005-6. Mr Devine said Scott had been filmed stacking shelves, lifting customers’ purchases including tins, and working as a cashier.

He said she agreed to work for a family friend to help get the business off the ground.

Mr Devine told magistrates Scott was not being paid wages by the owner of the shop, but he was paying for her holidays as recompense for her work. She continued to claim the benefits during that time.

When questioned by DWP investigators, Scott described her actions as “stupidity.”

Kate Barnes, representing Scott, said her client was not living a lavish lifestyle and was not receiving any income for the work. She was, however, receiving paid holidays.

Miss Barnes added: “Mrs Scott is extremely remorseful. She is of a previously unblemished character and now finds herself before a court.”

Magistrates ordered Scott to carry out 80 hours unpaid work and pay £100 costs.

Afterwards, Mr Devine said the DWP would instigate civil proceedings to try to recoup the money she falsely claimed.