Peel woman accused of £52K benefit fraud

Trial to take place in Summary Court

A Peel woman will stand trial after being accused of claiming more than £52,000 in benefits she wasn’t entitled to.

Barbara Christina Blanchard, of Close Chairn, denied committing four offences during an appearance at Douglas Courthouse.

The 54-year-old is accused of benefit fraud by failing to inform Treasury of a change in her circumstances between May 2019 and March 2022.

She’s also accused of three offences of making false representations to obtain benefits between July 2019 and April 2021.

A pre-trial review will take place on 10 November – she’s been bailed until that date.