A woman who defrauded the benefits system of more than £23,000, claiming she was too ill to leave her home, was discovered surfing and ziplining in Mexico.
Catherine Wieland, 33, from Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex, had informed the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that she suffered from anxiety so severe it rendered her housebound. However, the DWP uncovered evidence that she had been untruthful about her condition for over two years.
Investigators found Wieland had been surfing in Cancun and ziplining in Mexico, in addition to making three separate visits to Thorpe Park. While accumulating tens of thousands of pounds in Personal Independence Payments (PIP), she also spent money on manicures, tanning sessions, and appointments at a private Harley Street dentist.
When investigators confronted her with bank statements she told them: “I didn’t realise you’re not allowed to leave your house”, the DWP said.
While claiming her health was so poor she could not cook or wash herself, Wieland made 76 beauty appointments, visited 60 pubs, clubs and restaurants and spent money in foreign currencies.
After her luxury trip to Mexico, Wieland submitted a review claiming her condition had got worse.
She pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change of circumstances and must now repay the £23,662 stolen from taxpayers between 2021 and 2024.
She was sentenced on Thursday to 28 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, the DWP said.
Andrew Western, a minister in the DWP, said: “This is an insult to every hardworking taxpayer and to people who genuinely depend on Pip.
“Wieland lied repeatedly, milked the system for every penny she could get and then had the nerve to claim her condition was worsening while she was ziplining and surfing in Mexico.
“We are committed to finding those who try to defraud taxpayers, and they will face the consequences.”
