A GLASGOW pensioner behind a £13,000 benefit fraud has avoided being sent to prison.

Frances Devlin, 75, claimed thousands of pounds worth of pension credit that she was not entitled to, over a 12-year period.

Between May 2006 and October 2018, the OAP failed to declare that she was in receipt of an occupational pension.

On Wednesday, Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that Devlin received a weekly state pension and an occupational pension. She also received her spouse's pension following the death of her husband.

Prosecutor Jennifer Gilmour said: “The accused then claimed pension credit. On May 28, 2006, she failed to declare income from her occupational pension.

“In process of applying for this, the accused had marked no to questions on the pension credit application form when she was asked if she or her partner got money from anywhere that they used to work.

“The total overpayment was £13,305.”

Glasgow Times:

On February 19, 2019, Devlin was cautioned by police after being caught out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

She confirmed that she received an occupational pension.

Devlin, of Glasgow's Royston, advised that someone else completed the pension application form for her but confirmed that she signed it and had been asked the questions that were used to complete it.

She appeared in court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to knowingly giving false statements to the DWP in order to obtain benefits she was not entitled to.

Her defence solicitor told the court that she is currently repaying the £13,305.

He said: “She repays the money at a rate of £57.25 per week and has been since August 4, 2020. So far, she has repaid just under £3,000.”

The lawyer went on to say that sentencing disposals would be difficult.

Sheriff Barry Divers agreed and said: “This lady is unlikely to offend again so I can’t defer sentence for good behaviour.

“She can’t do unpaid work and there is no need for supervision. I don’t consider a restriction of liberty order suitable for a 75-year-old lady.”

Devlin’s defence solicitor said that his client would be in a position to pay a fine at £20 per week.

Sheriff Divers told Devlin: “Taking everything into account, including your lack of previous convictions and your age, I’m going to impose a financial penalty.

“Given the length of time involved and the substantial amount of money, it will be a substantial fine.”

Devlin was ordered to pay £630.