A Banstead woman’s been handed a three month suspended prison sentence after she was convicted of committing benefit fraud totalling over £23,000.

Sally Anne Mullane pleaded guilty on 16 February at Redhill Magistrates Court.

She admitted failing to tell Reigate & Banstead Borough Council about money she had in the bank.

The fraud, which dates back to 2011, saw Mrs Mullane fraudulently claim nearly £20,000 in Housing Benefit and more than £1,400 in Council Tax Support. She also underpaid her Council Tax by just over £1,000.

She also fraudulently claimed £1,300 in Employment Support Allowance from Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

As well as the suspended sentence, the court also ordered Mrs Mullane to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £80.