A benefit fraudster who conned her way to at least £48,500 has avoided a jail sentence.

Patricia Wiltshire, 45, of Pemberley Chase, Ewell, pleaded guilty to 13 offences relating to fraudulently claimed income support, and housing and council tax benefit dating as far back as 1996.

But at Guildford Crown Court last week Judge Robert Reid handed her a 10 month jail suspended sentence, and a six month curfew order meaning she must stay at home between 7pm and 7am.

She has also been ordered to pay back more than £48,500. The court heard this did not reflect the total benefits she had received fraudulently, but the length of time she had been conning the authorities meant some records were not available.

Wiltshire was caught after a joint investigation by Epsom and Ewell Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.

Councillor Keith Mann, chairman of the council's strategy and resources committee said: “We would normally expect a custodial sentence for such a serious case of benefit fraud.

"However, we are pleased the court has demonstrated the seriousness of the offences by imposing a stiff sentence while also acknowledging the damage prison could do to Mrs Wiltshire in her situation.”

To report someone you believe is falsely claiming benefit call the council's fraud hotline in confidence on 01372 732275.