A BENEFIT cheat fraudulently claimed tens of thousands of pounds has avoided jail.

Susan Roberts, aged 48, was found guilty of fraudulently claiming £64,989.95 and was handed a nine month suspended prison sentence at Wigan Magistrates Court on November 15.

Appearing before the court, Ms Roberts, of Belmont Avenue in Hindley, admitted claiming benefits as a single person while living with her partner for the last nine years, who was in full time employment.

Ms Roberts’ actions came to light after Wigan Council received an anonymous tip off to their benefit fraud hotline.

Following a joint investigation between Wigan Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and the police, a search of the property took place and numerous pieces of evidence were seized.

Ms Roberts was interviewed at Wigan Police station and admitted that her partner had been living with her since Christmas 2002.

Ms Roberts received a nine month prison sentence suspended for two years and has been ordered to repay the money she fraudulently claimed, which includes £53,698.10 in Income Support, £4,151.53 in Housing Benefit and £7,140.32 in Council Tax Benefit.

If you suspect someone of fraudulently claiming benefits, call the benefit fraud hotline on 0800 328 6340.