A woman who falsely claimed benefits for almost three years has been given a 12 month community order and told to do 180 hours unpaid work.

Sharon Colegrove, of Blaby Road, Enderby, was sentenced at Hinckley Magistrates Court on June 20 after pleading guilty to benefit fraud at an earlier hearing.

She was also ordered to pay £519 in legal costs.

Miss Colegrove falsely claimed £9,172.39 in housing and council tax benefit between September 2007 and July 2010 having failed to declare working tax credits.

The 39-year-old had previously received a formal caution for benefit fraud from Blaby District Council in 2006 after claiming £1,747.94 she was not entitled to.

Councillor John Hudson, portfolio holder for finance and efficiency said:

“Benefit fraud is a serious crime and we will prosecute people we catch trying to cheat the system.

“It is important that people keep their details up to date and promptly let the benefits team know if their circumstances change.”

The public can report benefit fraud at www.blaby.gov.uk/fraud or by calling the Council’s confidential hotline on 0116 272 7733.