A 61 YEAR-old woman has been found guilty of making false representations to St Helens Council regarding Housing and Council Benefit claims.

Geraldine Farrar, of Lilac Avenue, Ashton-in-Makerfield failed to declare that her partner received a private pension, which resulted in an overpayment of benefit totalling £13,133.69.

Farrar pleaded guilty to six offences of making a false statement at St Helens Magistrates Court on April 14 and she was sentenced on May 27 to a four month community order with a curfew, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

She will also have to repay the full overpayment.

The case was brought by St Helens Council’s Benefit Fraud Team. To report benefit fraud call 0800 953 0217 or e-mail: benefitfraud@sthelens.gov.uk