More than £5,000 in benefits will be repayed into the public purse after a fraudster pleaded guilty to two benefit offenses.
Ann Jacqueline Wilson pleaded guilty to two offences when she appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court and admitted failing to notify South Ribble Borough Council that her earnings had increased between 23 November 2009 and 5 December 2011.
As a result, the 39-year-old fraudulently received £4,625 in Housing Benefit and £397 Council Tax Benefit.
The defendant, of Bannister Drive, Leyland, was sentenced to six months' conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs.
Leyland St Marys Conservative Councillor Phil Hamman, responsible for shared services and corporate support, said:"This prosecution should serve as a warning that we treat benefit fraud very seriously and will continue to bring benefit fraudsters to justice.
"We have a duty to protect our taxpayers, and will continue to leave no stone unturned to ensure we protect the public purse.
"We're also keen to ensure that everyone who is rightfully entitled to benefits knows how to claim them. If you think you may be eligible to receive housing benefit or council tax benefit you should call us for advice."
If you think you're eligible to receive housing benefit or council tax benefit, please call 01772 625518.
Taken from press release by South Ribble Borough Council