Benefit cheat got £36k by not declaring boyfriend

Lisa Bones admitted fraud in relation to her benefits

A woman was wrongly paid £36,000 in benefits after failing to tell the authorities her partner had moved in with her, a court has heard.

Lisa Bones, 49 and from North Shields, claimed housing benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and Universal Credit for at least 10 years on the basis she lived alone, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

In fact, her partner had been living with her for a number of years, the court heard.

Bones admitted three counts of fraud and was ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid work and pay £240 in court costs.

Prosecutors said it was Bones's responsibility to inform the benefit authorities of any changes in her circumstances but she did not do so.

As a result Bones, of Locomotion Way, was overpaid about £11,000 in JSA, £13,500 in housing benefit and £12,000 in Universal Credit, the court heard.

Recorder Marco Guiliani said it was a "serious" offence, telling Bones: "The state is under constant financial pressure and individuals like you, who are greedy, deprive other more deserving people of money which they actually need."