A United Kingdom woman has been given nearly 500 years to repay approximately £27,908 in fraudulently claimed benefits. Lesleyann McLean, 44, failed to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that she was living with her husband while claiming Universal Credit, authorities said.
McLean pleaded guilty to failing to notify the DWP of a material change in her circumstances between July 27, 2020, and November 4, 2023. Court documents state she completed claim forms indicating she was single and lived alone, when in reality, she was cohabiting with Barry McLean. This resulted in her obtaining funds to which she was not entitled.
Perth Sheriff Court heard that the DWP is currently recouping the funds at a rate of £5 per month from McLean's benefits. At this rate, the full amount will not be repaid until the year 2491, when McLean would be 510 years old.
Sheriff William Wood sentenced McLean to a 12-month curfew as an alternative to prison. He noted that such fraud impacts all taxpayers, diverting funds from those legitimately entitled to them and potentially reducing the money available for public services.
Kirsty Watson, McLean's defense counsel, stated that her client accepts the seriousness of the overpayment and does not seek to minimize the amount or duration of the offending. Watson explained that McLean and her husband had initially separated, but reconciled after she had already made the Universal Credit claim, and she subsequently failed to report the change. The defense also indicated that the funds were primarily used for household bills and living expenses, not for a lavish lifestyle. McLean was reportedly carrying a disproportionate share of household expenses, and also provided financial support to her adult son, who struggled with drug addiction and debt.
Watson highlighted McLean's clean record, remorse, significant health difficulties, financial pressures, and history of domestic abuse as mitigating factors. She emphasized that there was no sophistication, significant planning, or abuse of trust involving others in the fraud. The court acknowledged the duration of the offending as an aggravating factor. McLean, from Scone, admitted to the charges and is currently serving her sentence.