Mother claimed £24,000 false benefit

3:30am Friday 16th May 2008

A mother-of-one who used false details and a friend's bank account to carry on claiming benefits while she was working at a supermarket has narrowly avoided jail.

The Honorary Recorder of Bradford, Judge Stephen Gullick, told 29-year-old Melissa Roberts that he was suspending her sentence of 36 weeks with "some hesitation" after hearing how she received more than £24,000 in benefits over a five-year period.

The judge said Roberts's offending was determined and persistent and there were a number of serious aggravating features.

Roberts, of Brompton Road, East Bowling, has so far paid back £180, paying at £9 per week.

Prosecutor Diana Maudslay told Bradford Crown Court yesterday how Roberts began claiming as a single mum, but in November 2001 joined an employment agency using false personal details and worked up to 45 hours a week, earning between £125 and £188 a week.

Roberts, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty last month.

Judge Gullick said he took into account her previous good character in deciding to suspend her prison term for two years. Roberts will also have to do 200 hours' unpaid work for the community.

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