A 32-year-old woman has admitted a benefit fraud totalling more than £26,000.

Sarah Leanne Corkill failed to declare that she had a partner living with her.

She will be sentenced on September 9 after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the court that Corkill started receiving Employed Persons’ Allowance in August 2014.

She declared that she was a lone parent on her claim forms.

However, information was received that since May 2018 a man was living at her address.

Checks of tax and driver licence records also indicated that the male was living with Corkill.

Her address was put under surveillance between September 28 and December 10, 2020, and the man was seen leaving the home each morning and returning at night.

His vehicle was also parked outside the address.

When interviewed Corkill, who lives in Westbourne Road, Ramsey, said that she knew she was required to declare anyone living with her.

She was asked if she had given any incorrect information but answered: ’Not that I know of.’

Corkill said that she was in an on/off relationship with the man and that he popped in to see her children.

Ms Braidwood said that the benefit fraud had resulted in a total overpayment of £26,167.17 but submitted that the case was suitable to remain in summary court for sentencing.

Defence advocate Kate Alexander agreed that sentencing should be in summary court and asked for a probation report before sentencing.

Magistrates accepted jurisdiction and ordered that the report consider all sentencing options, including custody.

Bail was granted with a condition to live at her home address and contact probation.