Suspended jail term for Middlesbrough £40,000 benefit cheat
A Middlesbrough woman who falsely claimed benefits of more than £40,000 has been given a suspended jail term.
Jacqueline Hall received housing and council tax benefit and income support over a six-year period. She also falsely claimed she lived alone.
The 54-year-old, of Pallister Park, was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work.
At Teesside Crown Court, Hall was given a four month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Speaking after the sentencing, Councillor David Budd said benefit fraud is not a "victimless crime"
"Every penny fraudulently claimed is being deprived from those in genuine need," he said.
"The message of this case is very clear - if you try to cheat the system, you will be caught, you will end up with a criminal record and the law will ensure you pay back what you owe."