A Hereford woman who admitted falsely claiming £14,500 in benefits was today given a 12-month community order when she appeared at Hereford Crown Court.
His Honour Judge Richard Rundell told Selina Forsyth, 26, of 9 Oak Road, Credenhill, your children need you more than the system requires you to serve a short prison sentence.
Alex Greenwood, prosecuting on behalf of Herefordshire Council, said that Forsyth failed to mention that a Neil Aspey lived with her at two separate addresses, one in Burghill and one in Almeley, with a view to obtaining benefit under the Social Security legislation.
Four other matters, relating to a further £37,500 claimed while at an address in Hereford were left to lie on the file.