A UK woman, Catherine Wieland, was caught surfing and ziplining while on holiday in Mexico. She claimed her anxiety was so severe that she was unable to leave the house, despite receiving more than $30,000 in government benefits.
According to the Independent, 33-year-old Catherine Wieland of Goring-by-Sea, England, acknowledged stealing benefits for over two years while arguing that her illness was so bad that she was unable to cook or clean herself.
However, when it was discovered that she had gone surfing and ziplining more than 5,000 miles from her home in Mexico, she was quickly exposed for lying.
In addition, the con artist made 76 beauty appointments, visited at least 60 pubs, clubs, and restaurants, and visited the UK amusement park Thorpe Park at least three times.
Wieland filed a review with the agency, stating that her anxiety had gotten worse even after her opulent trip to Mexico.
When presented with her bank statements, Wieland told investigators:
“I didn’t realize you’re not allowed to leave your house,”
According to the DWP, she was ordered to return the approximately $31,500 in government funds she took between 2021 and 2024 after entering a guilty plea to failing to notify of a change of circumstances.
On Thursday, she was given a sentence of 28 weeks in jail with an 18-month probationary period deferred.
Flip the pages of her out having a great time.
