A WARRINGTON woman was given a one year prison sentence, suspended for two years, when she pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court to four offences of benefit fraud.
The court heard that Samantha Cooper Graham, aged 35, of Bostock Street, Warrington, falsely claimed £36,122 from Warrington Borough Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.
She was also ordered to repay the money and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work
The court was told the woman claimed benefits but failed to inform the council and DWP that she was living with a partner who was in full time employment.
She had falsely claimed £14,703 housing benefit and £3,921 council tax benefit/council tax support from the council and £17,498 income support/ Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance from the DWP.
After the hearing, Adrian Webster, the council’s benefits and exchequer services manager, said: “Every day in the UK over 200 benefit thieves are caught – the clear message is if you commit benefit fraud you will be caught.”
Woman obtained £36,122 by fraud
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