A FORMER Trafford resident is repaying more than £15,000 to Trafford Council after committing benefit fraud.

Lynsey Dryden, 34, formerly of Clyne Street, Stretford, but who now lives in Tameside, was sentenced at Trafford Magistrates Court on September 25.

She had claimed benefits since September 2008, declaring that she was employed and earning £112 a week.

But she failed to inform the council that she had changed her employment four times between January 2009 and April 2012 and had received an increased salary.

She therefore received overpayments of benefits to which she was not entitled.

Ms Dryden was sentenced to 16 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months and a three month curfew order between 8pm to 6am.

She was also ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs.

Executive member for Finance, Councillor Patrick Myers, said the fraud was uncovered when officers carried out a data matching exercise.

Cllr Myers said: “This highlighted there had been a change to Ms Dryden’s earnings that had not been declared to Trafford Council.

"Now she is paying back all money owed to the public purse.”

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