A woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for illegally claiming more than £35,000 in benefit payments.

Patricia Colcutt, 34, of Burgan Close, Cowley, admitted failing to notify a change of circumstance relating to income support between January 2006 and February 2008.

She also admitted failing to notify a change of circumstance in relation to council tax benefit and housing benefit between February 2006 and February 2008.

Colcutt, who claimed £35,893.87 in benefits, was given a ten-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, at Oxford Crown Court.

She was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service and pay £250 costs.