A WOODROW woman who claimed £7,305 of benefits while working in a bridal shop has been given a 12 month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work.

Georgina Hyde of Longdon Close, was sentenced by Redditch Magistrates on July 25 after pleading guilty to claiming housing benefit and council tax benefit while working as a sales assistant.

Between July 2010 and September 2013 the 64-year-old fraudulently claimed £7,305.69.

Before sentencing Mrs Hyde, magistrates said that it was a substantial amount of money taken and compounded by a previous conviction for benefit fraud. She was also ordered to pay £85 towards the prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

The court heard that the overpaid benefits are being recovered by Redditch Council through their own methods.

A council spokesman said that 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 do so by emailing as much detail as possible to benefitsfraud@redditchbc.gov.uk or by ringing the investigation team during office hours on 01527 534011.