A woman who stole £23,000 from public funds exploited the benefits system for everything she could obtain.

Catherine Wieland, aged 33, informed the Department for Work and Pensions she was unable to venture outside due to anxiety while receiving £23,662 in personal independence payments across a two-year period.

However, photographs depicting Wieland living a luxurious lifestyle, including a 21-day trip to Cancun, Mexico where she participated in ziplining, painted a contrasting picture.

Upon her return from the vacation, she filed a review asserting her condition had deteriorated.

Wieland of Bluebell Way, Goring, frequented 60 drinking establishments, nightspots and eateries and attended Brighton Pride.

She also visited Thorpe Park on three occasions and splurged on artificial nails, sunbed treatments and appointments with a private dentist on Harley Street, accumulating 76 cosmetic procedures.

She obtained a BMW saloon through the Motability Scheme.

Meanwhile, she reported to the DWP that her health was so fragile she required supervision for basic tasks like meal preparation and personal hygiene and could not commute independently.

When officials presented her with bank records she responded by stating she was unaware leaving her residence was prohibited.

The court was informed on March 26 that Wieland had received diagnoses of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorder and anxiety and takes various prescribed medications.

The prosecution, led by Ms Thorne, indicated the claim may have been legitimate initially but transformed into deception over time.

Wieland admitted guilt to neglecting to report a change in circumstances in January.

She received a 28-week suspended sentence today, March 26.

His Honour Judge Joshua Swirsky characterised the offence as straightforward fraud.

Minister for transformation Andrew Western stated this behaviour dishonours hardworking taxpayers and legitimate PIP recipients.

He added that Wieland provided multiple false statements, maximised her fraudulent gains and then had the audacity to claim deteriorating health while engaging in ziplining and surfing abroad.

The government remains dedicated to identifying those who attempt to cheat taxpayers and they will face appropriate penalties.