An HMRC worker is to stand trial accused of £75,000 tax credits fraud while working as a tax credits team leader.

Leigh Hay is alleged to have fraudulently obtained the sum while working for HMRC in Dundee over the course of nine years.

She faces a benefits fraud charge at Dundee Sheriff Court which alleges that between March 2004 and February 2013 she submitted joint claims for tax credits in the name of herself and husband Kerr.

It is alleged she forged his signature and "provided financial information she knew to be false and failed to declare her true annual income" to obtain the money "by way of fraud."

An alternative charge of fraud states  she obtained child and working tax credits by fraud by providing false financial figures - some claiming her husband did not earn a penny for several years - and by forging his signature.

In total, she is alleged to have swindled £75,071.46.

Hay, 39, of St Martin Drive, Dundee, denies a charge under the Tax Credits Act on indictment said to have been committed between March 15, 2004, and February 1, 2013.

She further denies an alternative charge of fraud committed between the same dates.

Defence solicitor John Boyle said: "She maintains her not guilty plea. There is evidence that can be agreed and a joint minute will be entered into before the trial."

Fiscal depute Kirsten Thomson said the Crown was ready for trial.

Sheriff Alastair Brown continued the case to a trial date next month.