A CLYDEBANK woman who defrauded taxpayers out of £18,000 in benefits has been ordered to pay back one pound to bring the case to a close.

Maureen Carmichael, 65, of Cleddans View, made false statements to West Dunbartonshire Council officials in order to claim £12,000 in housing and council tax benefit payments between November 2010 and January 2018.

She also claimed £6,000 in income support between March 2013 and January 2018 after making false statements to officials from the DWP.

In February, Carmichael was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work within nine months as a punishment for the offences.

At a hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Friday, at which Carmichael was not present, her solicitor, Leo McGinn, said: “Matters have been agreed between the parties and she will pay £1 to tie up proceedings here.”

Procurator fiscal depute Joanne Gilmour confirmed that the Crown was seeking a £1 confiscation order.

Sheriff Simon Fraser, after jocularly asking if the sum was “to be payable in instalments”, granted the Crown’s motion and gave 28 days for payment.