Woman accused of benefit fraud denies wrongdoing

A woman accused of a £24,000 benefit fraud has denied any wrongdoing.

Emma Hearnden, of Croit-E-Caley in Colby, appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood at Douglas Courthouse.

The 46-year-old denied two counts of failing to inform of a change in circumstances and five of making false representations to obtain benefits between October 2019 and October last year.

The amount she is alleged to have claimed unlawfully totals £24,236.

Ms Hearnden was bailed in the sum of £500 to next appear on March 26.