Thaindian News

London, Aug 11 (ANI): A woman in Britain has been exposed as a benefit cheat after she claimed incapacity hand-outs while working as a stripper.

Carrie-Ann Knight, 29, is said to have claimed more than 10,000 pounds in benefits while working as an exotic dancer at Tiffany’s Bar in Exeter’s Quayside in June 2007.

She is said to have continued to claim benefits for a year while off sick with depression, and was only found out when an eagle-eyed benefits assessor recognised her name.

He realised she had the same name as a locally well-known topless model and lap dancer and referred the case to the council’s investigations team and, in turn, the Department of Work and Pensions in 2008.

Knight admitted falsely claiming benefits at South Somerset Magistrates’ Court in Yeovil on August 9 and was fined a total of 535 pounds.

Simon Lacey, defending Knight, said his client mistakenly believed she could work up to 16 hours a week and still claim benefits.

He said she had tried to inform the authorities of her error by filling in forms saying she was “self-employed”, but that this was not picked up upon.

“We consider this matter to be very serious as it represents taking money from taxpayers,” the Sun quoted magistrates as telling Knight.

“But we have noted that you did not start out with any intention to defraud. You have also paid back a substantial proportion of the payments, which we consider shows remorse,” they added.

Speaking after the sentencing Knight said she no longer worked at the lap-dancing bar, which closed down last year.

“I am relieved this is over because it has been going on for such a long time. I have moved away from the area and am moving on with my life,” she added. (ANI)