Woman faces trial after denying benefit fraud

A woman who denies carrying out a £141,000 benefit fraud over more than eight years is facing trial in the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Haley Higginbotham of Urley Path in Anagh Coar appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes at Douglas Courthouse.

She pleaded not guilty to one count of failing to inform officials of a change in circumstances and four of making false representations to obtain benefits.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court Miss Higginbotham is said to have wrongly claimed £141,461 between May 2013 and October last year.

Mrs Hughes said the case was so serious it would have to be dealt with by the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

She granted bail in the sum of £500 and Miss Higginbotham will next appear on May 9.