AN Altrincham woman has pleaded guilty to falsely claiming more than £23,000 in benefits.

Michelle Burke, 47, of Strawberry Close, was convicted on June 20 of dishonestly obtaining housing and council tax benefit.

Miss Burke failed to report that she had somebody living with her, who was also in employment, so had been overpaid benefit between August 8 2003 and September 30 2012.

Miss Burke was sentenced to eight weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months with a three month curfew from 8pm to 6am.

In addition to repaying the £23,000, she was ordered to pay £200 costs and £80 victim surcharge.

Executive member for finance, Councillor Patrick Myers said: “This is another example of how we are determined to crackdown on benefit fraud and make those responsible repay the public purse.”

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