A WYTHALL resident who pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming benefits has been given a 16 week prison sentence and a 12 month community order.

Ann Roberts, age 69, of Dennis Potter Court, Wythall, was sentenced by Redditch Magistrates Court on September 9. Mrs Roberts was sentenced to a 12 month suspended 16 week prison sentence as well as a 12 month community order, with 200 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £85 towards the prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Mrs Roberts pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming housing benefit, council tax benefit and pension credit amounting to £31,484.16 between June 2008 and January 2014 by failing to declare her partner had been working as a coach driver.

The court heard that the overpaid benefits are being recovered by the council and DWP through their own methods.

A Bromsgrove District Council spokesman said: “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 report it online at bromsgrove.gov.uk/fraud or by ringing the investigation team during office hours on 01527 881221.