A York woman who falsely obtained more than £8,000 in benefits that she was not entitled was given an 18 month Community Punishment Order when she appeared before city magistrates today (24 May)

Donna Hepton (32) of Burlington Avenue had been claiming housing and council tax benefit as a single parent on low income, as well as receiving a single person discount on her council tax, for many years.

However, City of York Council found that Ms Hepton had actually been living with her partner for several years.

As a result of her fraudulent actions, Ms Hepton was overpaid £5,923.63 in housing benefit, £1,712.38 in council tax benefit and £616.54 in single person discount on her council tax.

Max Thomas, audit and fraud manager for the council, said: "I hope that this case is a reminder to anyone committing benefit fraud that they cannot get away with providing false information and that we will catch up with them."

Anyone with information about suspected benefit fraud is asked to contact the council's benefit fraud hotline on 01904 552935. Callers don't have to leave their name and all calls are treated with the strictest confidence. Alternatively, people can email benefit.fraud@york.gov.uk