A ROSYTH woman has been ordered to pay £47,811 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Last month, Toni Claughan, 48, of Burnside Crescent, was jailed for a benefits scam which gained her almost £90,000.

The fraud carried out by her lasted for more than five years.

She repeatedly made claims stating that she had split up from her husband but she was found guilty of fraud following trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

She was made subject of the Confiscation Order at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court today (Tuesday).

The order gives the Crown the power to seize money Claughan gained through this particular crime, by taking money and assets she acquires in the future.

Procurator fiscal for specialist casework, Jennifer Harrower, said: “This should serve as a warning to anyone involved in fraudulently claiming benefits - we will not stop at prosecution. 

“Even after a conviction is secured, we will continue to use the Proceeds of Crime legislation to ensure that funds obtained through benefit fraud are confiscated from those who do not deserve them.

“The funds recovered from Claughan will be added to those already gathered from Proceeds of Crime, to be re-invested in the community by Scottish Ministers through the CashBack for Communities programme.”