A FORMER Girvan resident fraudulently claimed £4000 of employment and support allowance while she was working at Malin Court Hotel in Maidens.

Alexandra MacDonald, admitted failing to tell the DWP of a change in her circumstances which she knew affected her employment rights .

MacDonald pocketed the money between November 5, 2014 and October 2, 2015. She also failed to notify the DWP that she was married on May 2, 2015. 

The 24-year-old, who now lives in Derbyshire, appeared before Sheriff Desmond Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. 

Depute Fiscal Stephen McLean explained: "Mrs MacDonald was working as a waitress. At an interview she said she did not appreciate she was being interviewed by the DWP. She also said her husband was not working."

Speaking on her behalf, defence solicitor Tony Currie, said: "It was a relatively short period of employment. She was off and on benefits. There were health issues."

Sheriff Leslie asked: "Has she repaid the full sum of the money?"

Mr Currie said: "She has paid £500. The reason she has not paid the full £1000 is because she is relying on her husband. Between them they will pay £1000." Sentence has been deferred for MacDonald to make restitution.