A GRANDMOTHER who falsely claimed more than £45,000 in benefits over five years has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Sheila Tranter, from Bishop Auckland, admitted failing to notify Durham County Council and the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in her circumstances when she appeared at the town’s magistrates court.

Sarah Grigor, prosecuting, said Tranter wrongfully claimed £1,659 housing benefit, £518 council tax and £42,938 income support between 2004 and 2009 because she was working for parts of that period and her partner had moved in with her.

A more serious charge of dishonesty, which the 50-year-old, of Worcester Place, denied, was changed to failing to notify.

John Turner, in mitigation, said the mother-of-five, who has five grandchildren, was a woman of previous good character and the investigation had caused her an awful lot of anguish.

He said Tranter’s relationship with her partner had been a “cloudy issue” because “even at its height, he wasn’t living there seven nights a week”.

Mr Turner said: “The relationship, which is now over, clouded her judgement of what should be reported and when.”

The court heard Tranter felt disgraced and shame especially when she told her children.

Mr Turner said prison would be difficult for Tranter because she looks after her nine-year-old son, who has behavioural problems.

He said Ms Tranter was repaying the money and was paying more than requested.

A probation officer said a tearful Tranter described herself as a mug.

Magistrates sentenced Tranter to six weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, and ordered her to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

She must also pay £100 in court costs.

After the hearing, Durham County Council solicitor Clare Greenlay said: “We welcome the verdict and the sentence which shows both the courts and the council take this issue seriously.

“It is particularly important to the public, during these challenging financial times, that they are reassured the council will pursue these matters and put them before the courts.”