A BENEFIT cheat who illegally pocketed more than £10,000 in housing benefit and council tax support must pay back the money in full, a court has ordeded.

Ainsley Renwick, 25, of Marshall Avenue, Dallam, appeared at Halton Magistrates' Court where she was found guilty of two counts of benefit fraud after she failed to notify Warrington Borough Council that her rate of pay had increased.

This resulted in an overpayment of housing benefit of £9,398 as well as receiving council tax support she was no longer entitled to of £1,598.

Renwick was sentenced on July 20 to a 12-month community order and must carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.

She was also ordered to pay back the overpayment in full as well as £1,000 towards prosecution costs and £60 victim surcharge.

It was agreed that these amounts are to be paid at the rate of £10 per week with the first payment in seven days.

Simon Bleckly, Warrington Borough Council’s audit manager, said: “Every day in the UK more than 200 benefit thieves are caught. The clear message is - if you commit benefit fraud you will be caught.”

Anyone who suspects someone is fraudulently claiming benefits can call the council's confidential benefit fraud hotline on 442336, email fraudteam@warrington.gov.uk or report it online at warrington.gov.uk/report.