A north-east woman has gone on trial accused of falsely claiming more than £22,000 in benefits.
Prosecutors allege that Jennifer Whyte lied to both the city’s local authority and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) by claiming she was living by herself.
They state that during this time she was actually living with her husband, Richard Whyte, at Cummings Park Crescent, Aberdeen.
Whyte appeared in Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday to face two separate charges covering a period from September 2010 to December 2014.
It is alleged that between September 20, 2010 and April 19, 2012, Whyte took a total of £7,875 in income support to which she was not entitled.
She is further accused of fraudulently taking £14,567.20 in housing and council tax benefits.
The 63-year-old denies the charges against her.
Matthew Dixon, who works as an investigation officer with Aberdeen City Council, told the court that Whyte signed forms pledging to alert the local authority over changes in her circumstances.
He said: “I was asked to do an investigation into Mrs Whyte in August 2014 after we were tipped off by the DWP that she had been claiming benefits she was not entitled to.
“I looked her up on the IT system.
“She began claiming benefits in October 2005.”
He was then asked by fiscal depute Katie Begg to look at the form signed by Whyte at this time.
He said: “The form says I must let you know in writing about any change in circumstance that may affect my claim.”
Mr Dixon added that Whyte had signed forms saying there had been no changes in her circumstances in both 2013 and 2014.
Defence solicitor John MacLeod later asked him: “In the forms did it say in any particular way what would constitute a change of circumstances.”
Mr Dixon replied: “I do not recall.”
The trial, before Sheriff Marion McDonald, will continue on May 5.
