A WOMAN has escaped jail after cheating taxpayers out of more than £9,000 in benefits.

Parminder Singh, formerly of Lauderdale Crescent, Longsight, claimed £9,062.55 in Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Income Support and Jobseeker Allowance.

Singh, 32, fraudulently obtaining the cash from Manchester council and the Department for Work and Pensions between February 2000 and May 2001, after failing to disclose she was living with, and subsequently married, her partner.

She also pleaded guilty to further offences, between September 2006 and April 2008, after failing to declare that she lived with her husband and owned a number of properties with him.

Singh was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, by Manchester magistrates, and a three month curfew order.

She must pay £150 in court costs.

Manchester's member for finance, Coun Bernard Priest, said: "This woman has been stealing from the people of Manchester and I am pleased that council staff working together with colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions have uncovered this theft."

City Treasurer, Richard Paver, added: "The whole community suffers when individuals commit a crime of this nature.

"Not only does it reduce the money available to those with a genuine entitlement, but it also increases the burden on the council taxpayer."

To report benefit fraud in Manchester, contact a free, confidential hotline on 0800 783 9668.