A HAYES woman who fraudulently claimed over £50,000 in benefits over three years has been sentenced.

Jacqueline Reid, 35, of Addison Way, Hayes, was given an eight month suspended sentence and a three month curfew order at Isleworth Crown Court on November 2 after being found guilty of benefit fraud.

In a joint investigation involving Hillingdon Council, Her Majesty’s Custom & Revenue (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), officers from the three bodies found that Ms Reid had been claiming child benefit and income support which she wasn't entitled to over a three-year period.

When interviewed by officers from the three authorities, she chose not to answer any questions regarding the charge. Reid has since moved to another address in the Borough.

Jeff Maslen, Director of Adult Social Care, Health and Housing at Hillingdon Council, was clear on the department's stance on benefit scammers.

He said: “The council takes benefit fraud very seriously. We’re always pleased when another benefit cheat is caught – as it is residents money they are stealing.”