THE WIFE of former Irvine councillor Tam Dewar is facing a sentencing wait after admitting fraudulently claiming benefits of almost £5,000.

Circe Jill Caryl Dewar appeared before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week and admitted to falsely claiming a total of £4,918.52 in benefits.

Between June 19, 2013 and February 14, 2014, the 53- year-old twice failed to notify authorities at the Department of Work and Pensions of a change of circumstances which she knew would affect her benefits.

The court heard that Dewar received £3,448.02 in Employment and Support Allowance, between June 2013 and February 2014, but her marriage to political activist Tam Dewar made her ineligible for the benefit.

Dewar, of Green Avenue in Irvine, further admitted to fraudulently claiming £1470.50 in housing benefit between June 24, 2013 and February 12, 2014, which, due to her marriage to Mr Dewar, she did not legally qualify for.

She pled guilty to both charges.

Sheriff Iona McDonald adjourned the case for reports but warned Dewar of the seriousness of her crime.

She said: “These are substantial sums of almost £5,000 that have been obtained. I will call for a Criminal Justice Social Work Report and you will have to cooperate.” Dewar will appear before the court again in February for sentencing.

The Irvine Times contacted Mrs Dewar but she declined to comment.