A BENEFITS cheat claiming to be a single mum was caught after her engagement was announced on Facebook.

Sarah Louise McBride, aged 25, of Vulcan Close, Padgate, falsely claimed £19,000 in benefits, failing to tell the authorities boyfriend Ben Warburton had moved in.

Halton Magistrates Court heard last Wednesday how Mr Warburton posted on Facebook he was in love with McBride, and that they were engaged.

McBride's claim was investigated following an anonymous tip-off.

The Royal Bank of Scotland confirmed Mr Warburton's bank card had been used in the vicinity of Vulcan Close.

Her boyfriend's car was also registered to the home they shared in Padgate.

Officers from Warrington Borough Council then observed Mr Warburton, who is employed, attend the property regularly, between May and August 2012.

McBride was invited for an interview with the council.

She attempted to alter her benefit claim, but said she did not know when Mr Warburton had moved in.

McBride pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to notify a change in circumstances at the court appearance last week.

The false claims were made for at least two years, the court heard.

Gary Heaven, defending, said: "It's difficult to imagine what pressure people are under when interviewed in these circumstances.

"This lady concedes there was a level of co-habitation from January 2011 which should have been disclosed.

"In circumstances becoming familiar to the court, the regulations as they stand, I don't think they are clear, and in some circumstances are inflexible with regard to the reality in which people live.

"This woman had met her new partner about 12 months prior.

"They agreed he would move in, in early 2011, but she was by no means confident at that point as to how it would work out.

"Mr Warburton wasn't tipping his wages on the kitchen table.

"It was several months before she could be sure it would work out."

Magistrates ordered McBride to do 100 hours unpaid work, to repay the money, and £150 costs.