£53,000 benefits fraudster admonished over failing health

Jean Hutt had received pension payments for her mother for years following after her death.

She failed to report her mum’s death to the benefits authorities and so the payments continued for almost a decade.

Hutt (65) of Lawson Gardens, Kirkcaldy, was not present for her sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

She admitted that between April 12, 2008 and October 18, 2017 at addresses in Dunfermline, Ballingry, Kirkcaldy, Cardenden, Dysart, Methil, being the recipient of state pension, she failed to give prompt notification to the Department of Work and Pensions of the death of Jean Baillie on 12 April 2008 and received £53,068.16 to which she was not entitled.

Sheriff Alastair Brown had previously called for reports when she made her guilty plea in January. She had initially been scheduled to be sentenced in February that was delayed.

The court heard that since her last appearance, Hutt’s mental and physical health had deteriorated significantly. She was recently taken into intensive care in hospital following a fall.

Sheriff Brown said in these particular circumstances he would admonish Hutt.