A woman has been fined for fraudulently claiming Universal Credit for nearly 18 months.
Jessica Laura Blake, 31, of Bamboo Way, Middlesbrough falsely declared she was in full receipt of student income to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and claimed Universal Credit between September 5, 2021, and January 4, 2023.
Blake pleaded guilty to the charges at Teesside Magistrates' Court on January 12, and appeared again on February 8 for sentencing.
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During the most recent court appearance, she was fined £200 and ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service, totalling £365.
The fine was issued as a collection order.
The court will apply for deductions from her benefits to be used to cover the sum, which she has been given 14 days to pay off.
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