A WOMAN who ripped off taxpayers by fraudulently claiming almost £5,000 in benefits, and then declared herself bankrupt to avoid paying her debts, was caught smirking to the public gallery in court after learning she wasn’t going to jail.

Stacey Lee Fraser, 38, admitted conning £4,743 out of benefits over one and a half years from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Prosecutor Kara Watt explained the offence happened between September 21, 2012 and February 20, 2014.

The offence happened at Clydebank Benefit Centre, Radnor House, Kilbowie Road, and at her previous flat in Morrison Quadrant, Linnvale.

Fraser, of Wirran Crescent, Whitecrook, failed to inform the Job Centre of a change of circumstances which would affect her benefits.

Fraser pleaded guilty to the charge when she appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on October 1, and the case was deferred for background reports.

Defence lawyer Tom Lannigan told the court: “She has started a business earning £600 per week. It is a vending machine business.

“She is on call seven days a week and also does voluntary work with a local gymnastics club, which is to be commended.

“I would ask that the court draw a line under these offences.

“There were 800 pages of productions in this case. If this had gone to trial it would have clogged up the court system for a long time.”

Sheriff John Hamilton told Fraser: “I am concerned about the picture being painted here.

“You defrauded the state for no good reason and then went bankrupt to avoid your debts.

“Bankruptcy is a disgrace.

“I will defer sentence on you for one year.

“I want an update on how much you have paid back, and proper vouching for the payments of the sum outstanding.

“Then I will consider a fine.”

The sheriff then caught Fraser smiling towards the public gallery and told her: “Turn round and stop smirking at the public benches and stand up straight - this is a courtroom.”

Sentence was deferred until November 1, 2019 for Fraser to be of good behaviour and make repayments to the DWP.

She was ordained to appear.