A WOMAN who falsely received benefits for eight months and failed to attend court twice has been fined and ordered to pay back more than £1,000 of housing benefit.

Angela Eskins, 40 of Spring Meadows, Collingbourne Ducis, pleaded guilty to failing to notify Wiltshire Council that her partner had moved in and that he was working, continuing to receive benefits for eight months when she was no longer entitled, Swindon magistrates heard.

The overpayment for housing benefit was just over a thousand pounds but she had previously been prosecuted by the council in 2009 for failing to notify that she was working.

Eskins was first summoned to appear in court on October 14, 2013, but failed to attend.

A warrant with bail was issued by the court to attend on November 11 the same year. She failed to attend the second time and a warrant without bail was issued.

As a result of a review of outstanding warrants by the council, Eskins was arrested on June 10 this year and bailed to appear at court on Monday, June 15, where she pleaded guilty to the charge.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: "She now has a criminal record and has a court fine of £250, court costs of £325 and has to repay £1,085.71 of overpaid housing benefit.

"It is always the responsibility of the person claiming benefit to tell the council of any changes in circumstances which may affect their entitlement.

"If there is any doubt, then the Revenues and Benefits Team will be happy to discuss any issues. Please contact 0300 456 0110 to report any changes in circumstances or ask for advice.

"The council is very keen to stamp out fraud and will take action against those found to be cheating the system." 

Wiltshire Council’s confidential hotline can be contacted on 01249 706256 or the National Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440.

Fraud can also be reported on Wiltshire Council’s website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefitfraud, and there is a "Report a Fraud" feature on the My Wiltshire app, which is available for Android, Windows and Blackberry phones.

When reporting you do not have to give your name and the council says you can be assured of complete confidentiality at all times.