A 61-year-old Winsford woman has escaped a jail sentence after admitting benefit fraud.

Barbara Purcell, of Caldy Way, Winsford, pleaded guilty to three offences of dishonesty relating to overpayments of more than £54,000 in Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax.

She was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, 150 hours of unpaid works in the community, and was ordered to pay £300 prosecution costs.

She is required to fully repay the overpaid benefit to the Department for Work and Pensions and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Clr Les Ford, executive member for resources, said: “We take cases such as these extremely seriously and we hope that they send out the clear message that if you are breaking the law you will be caught, taken to court, risk imprisonment and will have to pay back all the money you have illegally gained.”

If you think someone is claiming benefit they are not entitled to you can report your suspicions by calling 0300 123 7030 .