A Chorley mum-of-three has admitted to dishonestly claiming just over £5,000 in benefits.

Susan Holborn, 35, of Brow Hey, Clayton Brook, claimed the extra cash in housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support.

Preston Magistrates heard that Holborn claimed income support on the basis she was an unemployed single parent. Her entitlement to income support also meant that she was able to claim full housing benefit and council tax benefit from Chorley Council.

The court was told that Holborn failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Chorley Council that her partner was living in her household and he was in full-time work.

The case came to light when the claimant notified the council that she had got married at the end of February 2008.

Information obtained from the registrar’s office suggested that her husband had been living at the address prior to the date of marriage.

Her husband’s employment meant that he was away from the family home for long periods of time. His absence was due to his job, not because their relationship had broken down, the court heard.

Councillor Kevin Joyce, Chorley Council’s Executive Member (Resources), said: "DWP investigators were invited to join our investigation so that the full extent of the loss to the public purse could be brought before the courts.

“We will continue to prosecute those who dishonestly claim benefits and I hope this sends out a strong message to others.

Holborn was sentenced to a 12-month community punishment order and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £30 costs.