A BENEFITS cheat from Weston has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Sarah Walker, 48, of Bridge Road, pleaded guilty to two charges at North Somerset Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

She admitted failing to inform North Somerset Council between April 15, 2019, and May 15, 2022, that she had started paid employment, which she knew would affect her entitlement to housing benefit.

Walker was given a five-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months for that offence at the same court on Monday (November 27).

She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £128 and £85 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

She further admitted dishonestly failing to promptly notify the Department for Work and Pensions between April 12, 2019, and April 28, 2022, she had started work, which she knew would affect her entitlement to income related Employment Support Allowance.

That attracted a further five-week suspended prison sentence.