A woman who claimed she was housebound with anxiety has been caught surfing and ziplining in Mexico after defrauding the Department for Work and Pensions of over £23,000.
Catherine Wieland, 33, from Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex, received Personal Independence Payments after claiming her condition was so severe she could not cook or wash herself. However, a DWP investigation uncovered evidence of her holiday activities in Cancun, as well as visits to Thorpe Park, beauty appointments, and spending at pubs and restaurants.
Wieland pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change of circumstances and was given a 28-week suspended sentence for 18 months. She must repay the £23,662 stolen between 2021 and 2024.
DWP Minister Andrew Western 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.”
