A MOTHER and former HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) employee has avoided jail for claiming too much in tax credits.

Emma Marie Chantler, of Warwick Road, Atherton, lied about her childcare costs and failed to declare her husband’s self-employed income which resulted in her receiving £42,088.61 she wasn’t entitled to between April 2005 and April 2011.

She was sentenced to 36 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months and 160 hours’ unpaid work at Manchester Crown Court on January 15.

Barbara Duda, from HMRC, said: “HMRC will vigorously pursue anyone who abuses the trust that we have placed in them.

“Chantler took advantage of her position for personal gain and has paid the price for her dishonesty.”

Chantler, aged 29, resigned as a contact centre manager for HMRC in August 2013 following an investigation into her misconduct.

Anyone with information about this type of fraud should call HMRC tax credit hotline on 0845 300 3900.