Court hears woman illegally claimed £4,000 in coronavirus benefits

A court’s heard a woman illegally claimed £4,000 in coronavirus benefits.

26 year old Sarah Hallworth of Derby Road in Peel appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes at Douglas Courthouse.

She admitted failing to inform benefits staff of a change in her circumstances between April 29 and September 12.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the hearing Hallworth had claimed £200 per week under the Manx Earnings Replacement Scheme but didn’t tell the Treasury when her employer paid her after claiming government assistance.

When interviewed by benefits staff, she claimed she hadn’t fully understood the scheme and the court heard she’d since repaid the money.

She was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £50 towards prosecution costs.