Shopkeeper admits benefits fraud over three years

A Castletown shopkeeper has been ordered to do community service after admitting a benefits fraud which lasted more than three years.

Alison Mary Phillips of Orry Place in Castletown appeared before magistrates at Douglas Courthouse.

At a previous hearing, the 63 year old pleaded guilty to one count of failing to inform officials of a change in circumstances and nine of making false representations to obtain benefits.

The court heard Phillips had claimed incapacity benefit since 2016 saying she was too ill to work, but later opened a gift shop called Something Different in Malew Street.

Because she'd failed to declare her income, she was overpaid a total of £16,963.

Magistrates said her fraud was a serious offence, and ordered her to do 120 hours of unpaid work as well as pay £50 costs.