A WARNING has gone out to benefit cheats that fraud will not be tolerated, after a York woman was convicted of falsely claiming more than £17,000.

Janet Smith, of Northfields, Strensall, pleaded guilty on Thursday to obtaining benefits by deception after falsely receiving £14,540 in housing benefit and £2,508 in council tax benefit.

An investigation by City of York Council revealed that Smith had claimed both benefits for seven years from April 1996 as a single person on low income, though she lived with her husband who worked full time.

Max Thomas, audit and fraud investigation manager for the council, said: "The council is committed to ensuring that all bona fide customers receive their full entitlement.

"However, we will not tolerate fraud of the benefit system and will ensure that anyone making false claims is brought to justice."

York magistrates ordered that Smith complete a 160-hour community punishment order and pay £5,000 in compensation.

The council is urging anyone who has information about suspected benefit fraud to phone 0800 1745533 or 01904 552935. All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, April 21, 2004