TRAFFORD benefit cheats who were overpaid after failing to notify the council of their change in address have been prosecuted.

At Trafford Magistrates Court on May 22, Amy Evans, 22, of Sparkfield Avenue Manchester, formerly of Beechlands, Timperley, pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining housing benefit of £6,432.

She received the sum on the basis that she was living at Beechlands but failed to inform Trafford Council that she no longer lived there and had no intention of returning, resulting in an overpayment between November 2013 and October 2014.

The court sentenced her to a 12 month community order of 40 hours unpaid work and she has to pay £200 towards the prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £60.

Meanwhile, 38 year-old Christopher Toledano of Derbyshire Road, Partington, formerly of Wood Lane, Partington, pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining housing and council tax benefit amounting to £3,889.

He received the benefit on the basis he was living at Wood Lane, but he failed to inform Trafford Council that he had moved out and had gone to live with his partner, resulting in a benefit overpayment between May 2010 and May 2011.

He received a 12 month community order with a requirement to undertake 40 hours unpaid work and pay £200 towards the prosecution costs.

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.