Benefit cheat took £4,600

AN Oldham woman claimed over £4,600 in benefits in order to pay off her husband’s debts.

Michelle Meredith (46) burst into tears as she appeared at Oldham Magistrates’ Court yesterday, charged with failing to notify changes in circumstances.

The court heard how Meredith, of Lydgate Drive, banked £4,637 in income support after failing to inform the Department of Work and Pensions that she was living with her partner John Meredith.

In her defence, she claimed that her husband had moved out of the family home, but returned a short period later with a considerable amount of debt.

She then borrowed money and used the income support cash to support the debt, as well as taking two jobs as a dinner lady and cleaner to make ends meet.

District Judge James Prowse said: “People will look at this and say benefit scrounger, but I don’t think you are as you work.

“Right-thinking members of society who work to make their contributions take a pretty dim view of this kind of thing.

“I don’t think we will see you again and I suspect you have learned your lesson.”

She was ordered to undertake 90 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.