A REDRUTH woman has been given a suspended prison sentence for benefit fraud of more than £19,000.
Deborah Moyse, 47, of Oxland Road, Illogan pleaded guilty at Truro Magistrates Court to 14 counts of benefit fraud.
Six related to dishonest, false statements on three separate housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claim forms to Cornwall Council.
One count was in respect of an Employment Support Allowance claim form with the Department for Work and Pensions.
Four counts related to dishonestly failing to promptly report to Cornwall Council that she was in paid employment, and there were four counts of failing to promptly report to the Department for Work and Pensions that she was in paid employment.
The offences amounted to £19,372.76.
Mrs Moyse was sentenced to eight weeks custody suspended for 12 months and a 12-week curfew on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm-7am.
She was also ordered to pay £100 towards the investigation and legal costs.
The overpaid benefits are being recovered from Mrs Moyse by both Cornwall Council and the Department for Work and Pensions separately from the court action.
A spokesman for Cornwall Council said: "Cornwall Council operates a 'zero tolerance' policy to fraud and corruption.
"If you suspect fraud is occurring we would be happy to talk to you on our confidential fraud hotline.
"Call us on freephone 0800 7316125."
