A WYTHALL benefit cheat pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming more than £30,000.
Ann Roberts, of Dennis Potter Court, was sentenced at Redditch Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 9.
The 69-year-old admitted falsely claiming housing benefit, council tax benefit and pension credit totalling £31,484.16 after failing to declare her partner worked as a coach driver between June 2008 and January 2014.
She was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison which is suspended for 12 months and was also handed a 12 month community order.
Roberts will also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and had to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
The overpaid benefits are being recovered by Bromsgrove District Council and the Department of Work and Pensions through their own methods.
A spokeswoman for Bromsgrove District Council said: “This case again demonstrates the importance of declaring true circumstances when claiming benefit and reporting any changes as they take place.
“Failure to do so may lead to a criminal record and could have an impact on future claims.”
Anybody wishing to report a suspicion of benefit fraud can call the investigations team on 01527 881221.
