A CIVIL servant who conned almost £9,000 from the government by diverting tax credit payments to her own account has been spared jail.

Susan Maher was employed by HM Revenue and Customs at the Sunderland city contact centre dealing with inquiries about tax credits.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the 45-year-old used her insider knowledge and access to computer systems to siphon £8,702 in tax credits into her own bank account.

The court heard she would go into work when she was supposed to be on holiday so she could continue with the scam between March 2002 and December 2005.

Prosecutor Paul Caulfield told the court; "There were occasions when she attended the office when on holiday, or othewise not expected in for work, to deal with the administration of this activity."

Maher was easily traced as the culprit due to entries made on computers using her own unique operators number.

Maher, now of Elm Don, Clacton on Sea, Essex, admitted acquiring criminal property and converting criminal property.

Judge Beatrice Bolton told her: "This is the grossest breach of trust, not only to Her Majesty's revenue, but also to members of the public who expect those who work for the revenue to be absolutely beyond reproach.

"It is incredibly serious and must result in a custodial sentence."

The court heard at the time of the scam Maher's marriage was in the process of breaking down and she was under extreme financial pressure.

She was also diagnosed as suffering a depressive illness.

Judge Beatrice Bolton said in her "exceptional" circumstances teh inevitable prison sentence she must face can be suspended.

But the judge added: "The message must go out, those who carry out this dreadful type of breach of trust can expect immediate custody."

Maher was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years with two years supervision.