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Benefit Fraudster Claims £23K While Zipping in Mexico

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Catherine Wieland, 33, of Goring-by-Sea, defrauded the benefits system of over £23,000 by falsely claiming severe anxiety left her housebound.
Investigators found she surfed and ziplined in Mexico while receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
She pleaded guilty to failing to report a change in circumstances.
She was given a 28-week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months.
The Department for Work and Pensions condemned her actions as an insult to taxpayers.

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Story summary

Catherine Wieland, 33, of Goring-by-Sea, defrauded the benefits system of over £23,000 by falsely claiming severe anxiety left her housebound.
Investigators found she surfed and ziplined in Mexico while receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
She pleaded guilty to failing to report a change in circumstances.
She was given a 28-week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months.
The Department for Work and Pensions condemned her actions as an insult to taxpayers.