Benefit cheat spared prison

7:00pm Thursday 27th July 2006

A MOTHER-of-three who was facing jail after involvement in a £4,100 benefits fraud walked free from court.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Kelly Hunt, 25, was claiming handouts as a single mum while living with her partner.

Hunt, of Glenroy Avenue, Colne, admitted two counts of failing to notify a change of circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions. She was given 100 hours unpaid work.

Sentencing, Judge Norman Wright told Hunt her fraud meant taxpayers' money wasn't able to be used elsewhere. But, he added, the claim was legitimate at the start, and the fraud was over a relatively short period.

The judge also said he had thought about Hunt's three children.

Michael Murray, defending, said Hunt was already paying back the DWP at £16 a week. She would be paying that back for many years.

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