A MOTHER-of-two has been ordered to carry out unpaid work in the community after she unlawfully claimed benefits.

Janet Hollywood, of Kestrel Road, Knightswood, pleaded guilty to obtaining payments of tax credit incorrectly.

The 52-year-old received over £3600 over the course of seven-months. The court was told how HMRC received information suggesting that the accused’s children had been taken into local authority care.

Hollywood had failed to declare this and continued to claim child benefits for two of her children between September 16, 2014 and April 32, 2015 totally up to £3658.

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The defence agent told the court that Hollywood was in regular contact with her children throughout the time they were under the care of the local authority.

He added that it was her thinking that the children would be coming back into her care and that she did not think it would be necessary to inform HMRC about the change in circumstance.

The court heard how the two children remain in the care of local authority but are getting regular contact with their mother.

The Sheriff told the accused that the court takes a dim view on benefit fraud.

He ordered Hollywood to undergo 120 hours of community service.
She will have 12 months to complete the required work.