A benefit fraudster who failed to declare her partner was living with her has been put on probation for nine months.

Alisha McMeiken admitted two counts of the offence which saw her overpaid £14,385.

The court heard that she is paying back the money at a rate of £40 per week, deducted from benefits.

We previously reported that the defendant was claiming income support benefit between September 2025 and May 2026, as a single person.

However, information was received that her partner was living with her.

Checks on her partner showed that driving licence and insurance records showed his address as the same as McMeiken.

His bank statements also confirmed that he was living at the same address and showed payments relating to rent and bills.

When interviewed, McMeiken said that her partner had moved in for a few nights in October, then more frequently.

A review of social media also indicated that the defendant and the male were in a relationship.

Surveillance was carried out at McMeiken's address from March 16, for four weeks, and the male was seen leaving and arriving.

It was said that the claim was fraudulent from the outset.

Duty advocate Louise Cooil said that her client was currently receiving Employed Person's Allowance, and had started repaying the overpayment voluntarily.

A probation report assessed the defendant as a low risk of harm and reoffending.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told McMeiken: ‘What makes this serious is the fact that this is a claim that was fraudulent from the outset.

‘You made the claim knowing your partner was living with you, and you lied.

‘Had it not been for someone reporting you to the department, it seems that overpayment could have been a great deal larger.’

McMeiken, who lives at Reayrt Aalin, must also pay £50 prosecution costs, at a rate of £5 per week, deducted from benefits.