A Douglas couple have been convicted of a benefit fraud worth £9,490.

Michael James Thomas Smith, aged 31, and Mia Kneale, aged 24, both of Clarke Street, each admitted two counts of fraudulently claiming income support.

The offences came to light after a story about the couple appeared in the Isle of Man Examiner.

The pair were due to be sentenced on Thursday (March 29).

However, Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes was unwilling to sentence after the couple said they were planning to move to France in May to renovate a house there.

The couple claimed that they would be paid £350 per week for the work and could use the funds to pay off any fine.

Kneale is currently signed off work for six months with a bad back but her advocate Kate Alexander told the court that the work was not going to involve any heavy lifting.

Mrs Hughes adjourned the case and the couple must provide confirmation from Kneale’s GP regarding her fitness to work, confirmation from probation services as to whether she is able to do any community service work, and a letter from their prospective employer in France confirming payment arrangements.

Earlier, prosecutor Michael Jelski told the court how Kneale and Smith had both been claiming income support benefit. Kneale had declared that she was living alone at her Clarke Street address while Smith claimed he was living with his father in Horseshoe Avenue.

However, in October 2017 an allegation was received that the couple were living together at Clarke Street and Kneale’s address was put under surveillance.

A man believed to be Smith was seen leaving the property several times early in the mornings.

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Manx Gas records also showed that the couple were paying a joint bill at Clarke Street. The couple were subsequently interviewed at Markwell House and admitted the offence.

Kneale’s claim was said to not be fraudulent from the outset but Smith had started his claim while living at Clarke Street, despite stating he was still living with his parents.

The failure to declare that they were living together had resulted in an overpayment to Kneale of £7,717.94 between December 2016 and November 2017, and £1,772.31 to Smith between February and June 2017.

Defending Kneale in court advocate Kate Alexander said the couple had come to the attention of the Treasury when they appeared in the Examiner in a report about the condition of their rented property.

Ms Alexander said that Kneale hoped the warm climate in France may assist with her back problems.

’She hasn’t tried to conceal the position, she held her hands up,’ said the advocate.

James Peterson, representing Smith, described his client as a ’vulnerable man’ who could be easily led to a degree and that he was keen to repay the debt.

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The Deputy High Bailiff said that a letter provided from the prospective employer in France had not mentioned any pay for the work and had asked for help.

Mrs Hughes said that fines were usually paid forthwith if someone was leaving the island and added: ’I have to say I am highly sceptical about this offer of employment in France.

’It doesn’t make any sense, especially given Ms Kneale is signed off for six months.’

Mrs Hughes told both advocates: ’Given they are now convicted of benefit fraud I take what your clients say with a pinch of salt. There is no admissible evidence of a job.’

Both were bailed until April 24 when the additional information must be provided.