A WINSFORD woman has been ordered to repay more than £10,000 after duping the Department for Work and Pensions out of thousands of pounds.
Kirsty Sandbach, 26, admitted three offences of dishonestly failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Cheshire West and Chester Council of changes in her circumstances, which she knew would affect her entitlement to Income Support, Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
Sandbach, of Station Road, Winsford, was claiming benefits even though she was receiving financial support from her partner, which she did not declare to officials.
At Chester Magistrates Court yesterday, Sandbach pleaded guilty to benefit fraud amounting to £10,885.50.
The Court ordered Sandbach to fully repay the overpaid benefit to Cheshire West and Chester Council.
They also sentenced Sandbach to a Community Order of 80 hours unpaid work and ordered her to pay £25 costs as well as a Victims Surcharge of £60.
If you think someone you know is claiming benefit that they are not entitled to receive then you can report your suspicions by ringing 0300 123 7030 or via the council website www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here