A 68-year-old Douglas woman has been sentenced to 60 hours’ community service for benefit fraud.

Christine Howson, of Saddle Mews, admitted failing to tell authorities she had done paid work between September 2010 and February 2012, resulting in an overpayment of benefits of £6,251.48.

Prosecutor Roger Kane told the court how Howson was receiving income support as a pensioner from September 10, 2010, based on her not working.

However, in May 2017, information was received that she had worked at Avalonis in Douglas between September 2010 and February 2012.

When interviewed by the DHSC she said the work had taken place before the dates specified. However, when shown her bank statements she accepted she must have worked on the dates alleged.

She accepted that she had been overpaid and offered to repay the figure.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said: ’I can safely submit it has been a delight to deal with Ms Howson. She is truly a lovely lady.

’It is most regrettable that some eight years ago, following a period of sickness she retires and claims benefits.

’She is then approached by a friend who asks her to work for him in his shop. She agreed, she wanted to help a friend so she did.

’It’s accepted she should have informed the department of the change in her circumstances. It wasn’t fraudulent from the outset.

’I would wish to highlight the difficulties Ms Howson had at the time. One of her best friends had recently died. I would ask the court to accept that she was not really thinking very clearly.’

’This is a lady who would bend over backwards to help anyone who asked for assistance,’ said the advocate.

’She is not a lady you are going to see in court in the future.’