A woman has been sentenced for fraudulently claiming thousands of pounds worth of benefits.

Karen Ferguson, 27, of Judds Close, in Witney, claimed £8,697.41 in housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support.

She was found guilty of benefit fraud at Banbury Magistrates' Court in August and sentenced at Witney Magistrates' Court on Monday to 60 hours’ unpaid work.

The court heard Ferguson failed to declare a change in circumstances and continued to claim thousands of pounds, despite living with her partner.

No compensation order was given and West Oxfordshire District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions are looking to recover the outstanding amount of fraudulently obtained benefit. Simon Hoare, cabinet member for finance at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "Anyone making fraudulent claims is committing a crime against honest taxpayers as this money has been set aside for those in genuine need.

"We have a very dedicated benefit fraud team at the council who will investigate all cases reported to them in our efforts to clamp down on fraudsters.” Anyone who knows someone committing benefit fraud should call the Benefit Fraud Hotline on 01993 861234.

All calls and correspondence are treated in confidence.