Ludlow benefits cheat to repay £17,000

A Ludlow woman has been ordered to repay more than £17,000 she illegally claimed in benefits.

Sarah Bright, 46, of Henley Road, claimed the money in housing and council tax benefits, despite having assets worth more than £16,000.

At Telford Magistrates Court on June 10, Ms Bright admitted failing to notify authorities of a change in circumstances.

The court heard she fraudulently claimed benefit between November 6 2006, and January 31 2010.

She was given a six-week prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay £350 costs to Shropshire Council. She was also given a two-month curfew requiring her to be at home from Monday to Friday between 10pm and 6am.

Councillor Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, said it "won't hesitate to take legal action against those who try and defraud the benefits system which exists to help those in need".