A LILLIESLEAF woman who falsely claimed over £5,000 in benefits, has had sentence deferred for a further three months, until October 13, to review the progress of repayment.

Samara Thomson, 29, of Hislop’s Row, admitted obtaining £2,583 income support and £2,666 housing and council tax benefit to which she was not entitled between October 2012 and June 2013.

At Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, defence solicitor Mat Patrick said Thomson – a first offender - had initially made valid claims, but failed to advise the authorities of a change in circumstances.

Mr Patrick said family circumstances, including bereavement, had contributed to the “crime of omission.”