A woman from Feltham making claims as a single parent despite living with her partner who worked full-time has avoided jail.

Aimee Caswell who falsely claimed more than £22,000 in benefits was given 16 weeks suspended sentence for her crimes, at Feltham Magistrates' Court on February 6.

She pleaded guilty to fraud offences relating to income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit.

A joint criminal investigation was launched by Hounslow council and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) after a tip-off was passed to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline in early 2012.

Covert observations were carried out to assist the investigation.

Caswell will pay for overpayment of £7,027.30 in Income Support, £13,386.78 in Housing Benefit and £1,850.53 in Council Tax Benefit.

Councillor Ed Mayne, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services at the Council, said: “Claiming benefits you are not entitled to is a criminal offence, and are determined to crack down on people who abuse the system.

“We are actively working with partner agencies such as the DWP to track down offenders and bring them to justice.

“If the situation that entitles you to benefits has changed, you must let us know so your benefits can be adjusted accordingly – it’s much better to let us know early, rather than waiting for us to find you.”

Report benefit cheats at Fraud@hounslow.gov.uk, or call 020 8583 2111.