A Peel woman has admitted five counts of benefit fraud which resulted in her being paid £16,919 she was not entitled to.

Helen Sanders, also known as McNicholl, failed to inform the authorities that she had been working at Praxis Care while claiming income support benefit.

The 32-year-old will be sentenced on January 11 after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court that the offences had been committed over a two year period but had not been constant, and her claim had not been fraudulent from the outset.

paying back

Mr Kane submitted that the case was suitable for summary court sentencing.

Defence advocate Louise Cooil agreed that the case should remain in summary court and said that Sanders, who lives at Magher Drive, had begun paying back the amount.

The court heard that she has two previous convictions but not of a similar nature.

Ms Cooil asked for a probation report to be prepared before sentencing.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered that the report consider all sentencing options, including custody.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions to reside at her home address, contact probation, and not leave the island without court consent.