A 46-YEAR-OLD woman who illegally received more than £16,000 of benefits was given a nine-month jail sentence suspended for two years yesterday.

Christine Watson, of Wellbeck Avenue, Darlington, admitted three charges of dishonestly making false representation to obtain benefit and asked for 138 counts to be taken into consideration when she appeared before Teesside Crown Court.

Natalie Wortley, prosecuting, told the court how Watson initially legitimately received income support for her self, her husband, who was working, and their child.

But when her husband secured a second job Watson failed to declare it to the Benefits Agency.

Miss Wortley said as a result Watson had been overpaid by £5,864 on the three false claim charges and £10,345 on counts she asked to be taken into consideration.

Graham Gaston, for Watson, said at the time of the offences her family was suffering considerable financial problems and all the money she received had been used for the family.

Judge Les Spittle, sentencing Watson to nine months in prison suspended for two years, said it was sad to see a woman of Watson's age and previous good character who had been held in high esteem, come before the court for defrauding tax payers.

He said he was satisfied, however, that she had not set off on a dishonest enterprise and had readily admitted the offences when questioned.