Woman admits four-and-a-half years of benefit fraud in “very late guilty plea”

A woman pleaded guilty to four-and-a-half years of benefit fraud on the same day that her trial was due to begin.

Ana Maria Da Silva Vieira (56) appeared in the Royal Court yesterday.

Speaking through an interpreter, she admitted failing to notify a change in circumstances to the Employment, Social Security and Housing Department between 20 November 2019 and 13 June 2024.

Commissioner Sir William Bailhache, presiding, told Da Silva Vieira this was a “very late guilty plea” as it happened on the day she was due to face trial.

She was represented by Advocate Ian Jones, and Crown Advocate Carla Carvalho was acting for the prosecution.

Da Silva Vieira is due to be sentenced on Thursday 5 February by the Inferior Number of the Royal Court.