Benefits cheat must do 300 hours unpaid labour – and pay back £30,000

A Lockeridge woman will have to do 300 hours unpaid labour, after cheating the benefits system of more than £30,000.

Swindon magistrates court heard last week that Paula Swanborough, of Hillside, Lockeridge had received more than £30,000 in benefits she was not entitled to when she failed to declare that she had a partner living with her.

Swanborough was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years – which means she won’t go to jail unless she commits another offence – a Community Order of 300 hours unpaid work, and a victim surcharge of £80.

She was also ordered to pay back all the money.

Last Monday’s court hearing was the result of a joint investigation between the Department of Work and Pensions and Wiltshire Council. A council spokesman warned: “The council is very keen to stamp out fraud and will take action against those found to be cheating the system.”