A MARRIED Partington mum, who pretended to be living as a single parent to claim £8917.23 in income support, has been convicted of benefit fraud.

Lyndsey Daly, formerly of Wood Lane, received income support from January 2012 and June 2014 on the basis that she was a lone parent. However, she failed to inform the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) that her husband was living with her.

Having entered a guilty plea at Manchester Magistrates Court earlier this month, she was sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £215 in court costs.

Daly will also be made to repay the benefit that she fraudulently claimed back to DWP.

Council counter fraud officers were alerted to this case by Trafford Council’s Benefit Team, who noticed irregularities on Daly’s claim and a joint investigation was conducted with DWP.

Cllr Patrick Meyers, Trafford Council’s executive member for finance, said: “The council will not stop in its quest to ensure only those people who are entitled to benefit support receive money.

“This case demonstrates how, through close inter-agency working, it is able to not only identify the perpetrators of benefit fraud but, having done so, seek justice through the courts.

“The message is simple; if you submit a claim fraudulently, or fail to advise us of any changes in your circumstances which results in you receiving money to which you are not entitled, we will find out and prosecute you.”

If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud, contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 2852.