A WOMAN from Winsford will have to pay back more than £50,000 she fraudulently claimed in benefits.

Michelle Wadkin, of Montgomery Way, pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to declare that her partner was resident with her - and had been since she claimed benefit in May 2006.

The 30-year-old was overpaid in excess of £51,000 in housing and council tax benefit, and income support.

On August 6, Chester Crown Court sentenced Wadkin to ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered her to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

Wadkin must also fully repay the overpaid benefit to Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) and the Department for Work and Pensions.

CWAC executive member for resources, clr Les Ford, said: “The council is committed to uncovering benefit fraud, which in this case amounted to a very large sum of public money that can now be recovered.

“This sort of offence is theft and will not be tolerated, and the council will always pursue any attempt at fraud.

“I am pleased that this prosecution has been successful and hope that it will serve as a warning to others that benefit fraud will not be tolerated in West Cheshire at the expense of the borough’s law-abiding tax payers.”

If you think someone you know is claiming benefit that they are not entitled to, report your suspicions by calling 0300 123 7030 or via the council’s website www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

You can also email fraud@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

All information received will be treated in strict of confidence.