TRAFFORD benefit cheats have been prosecuted by the council.

At Trafford Magistrates Court on May 22, 29 year-old Sarah Zoro of Howarth Street, Old Trafford, pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining both housing and council tax benefit amounting to £5,924 between July 2012 and November 2014.

The benefits were claimed on the basis that she was in part-time employment, but she failed to disclose she had started a second job in July 2012.

She received a 12 month community order, must undertake 40 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £200 towards the prosecution costs.

Meanwhile, Said Mohamed, 34, of Stretford Road, Old Trafford, pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining housing benefit totalling £3,235 between November 2013 and September 2014.

He was sentenced to a 12 month community order to undertake 40 hours unpaid work, pay £334.40 towards the prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £60.

Trafford Council is recovering all of the money that was obtained as a result of the offences.

Executive councillor for finance, councillor Patrick Myers, said: "These four cases once again reinforce the determination of the council to clamp down on people who fail to advise us of changes in their personal circumstances which means that they claim benefits to which they are not entitled. “Stealing in this way is not a victimless crime. It robs everyone who lives in Trafford.”

If people suspect someone of benefit fraud they should contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 2852 or via Freefone 0800 328 6340.