A MOTHER wept in court as she learned that she risked jail for dishonestly claiming more than £18,000 in benefits.

Cassie Howe, 27, of Coronation Avenue, Shildon, falsely claimed £18,750 in housing and council tax benefit as she moved between three addresses in Shildon between October 2010 and April 2012.

The mother-of-one received benefits from Durham County Council and the Department for Work and Pensions because she claimed she was living as a single mum.

However, an investigation revealed that her partner had been living with her the whole time, meaning she was not entitled to the financial benefits she claimed.

She admitted the offences at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, December 9).

In mitigation, Peter Hamill said that Howe’s relationship was “on and off” and fraught with difficulties.

He added that Howe was the primary carer for her son, her mother and her mother’s disabled neighbour.

Magistrate Pat Wilson sentenced her to 26-weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with 12-months supervision.

She told Howe: “You were taking money out of the public purse and people have to put that money in the purse in the first place.

“It is very serious.”

Howe was also ordered to pay £230 in court costs and charges and is already repaying the authorities for the money she claimed.