- Catherine Wieland, 33, from West Sussex, defrauded the benefits system of over £23,000 by falsely claiming severe anxiety made her housebound.
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigators discovered she had been surfing and ziplining in Mexico, and made multiple visits to Thorpe Park, despite her claims.
- While receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Wieland also spent money on luxury items such as manicures, tanning sessions, and appointments at a private Harley Street dentist.
- She pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change of circumstances after being confronted with evidence of her activities, including 76 beauty appointments and visits to 60 pubs, clubs, and restaurants.
- Wieland was sentenced to 28 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to repay the £23,662 she fraudulently obtained between 2021 and 2024.
IN FULL