A BENEFIT cheat from Partington was handed a suspended sentence after dishonestly obtaining more than £30,000.


Tracy Murray, 46, of Hampshire Road, was sentenced to 52 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, on March 25.
 

She was also ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work and will have to repay all the money she obtained through the fraud.


Miss Murray failed to declare that her partner was living with her and, as a result, was overpaid income support, housing and council tax benefit amounting to £30,632, between September 2007 and May 2013.


Trafford Council was alerted to the matter following an anonymous phone call.
Trafford Council and the Department for Work and Pensions then worked together to bring the case to a positive conclusion.


Trafford Council leader, Cllr Sean Anstee, said: “Trafford Council take benefit fraud extremely seriously and we will take the necessary action against those who dishonestly claim benefits.”


If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 2852 or via Freefone number 0800 328 6340.