This is how much married Yorkshire benefits cheat illegally obtained by lying about being single

Deborah Jatta carried out the depiction for five years by submitting false claims to Wakefield Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.

Leeds Crown Court heard Jatta filled in forms stating that she was single and living alone.

Howard Shaw, prosecuting, said that during the period of offending she was was living with her husband who had a full time job.

A total of £29,405 in job seeker's allowance, council tax and housing benefits were paid to Jatta between 2014 and 2019.

Jatta denied any wrongdoing when the offending came to light.

An investigation revealed she married in April 2015, around four months after moving in with her partner

During an interview she denied being married and claimed her husband was actually her cousin.

The 54-year-old then admitted the deception when she was shown copy of her marriage certificate.

Jatta, of School Close, Sharlston, Wakefield, pleaded guilty to five offences of benefit fraud.

Satpal Roth-Sharma, mitigating, said: "She is absolutely mortified with her actions.

"She has been very upset with the thought of going to custody."

"She claimed the benefits under the influence of her husband.

"She knows that is not an excuse."

A probation officer told the court Jatta is now repaying the money out of her universal credit.

Jatta was made the subject of an 18-month community order, during which time she must complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

She must also do 240 hours of unpaid work.

Judge Andrew Stubbs, QC, said: "There are some deeply unattractive aspects to this case.

"There was only one person making those claims and those claims continued.

"You knew that what you were doing was wrong.

"In times where people are paying taxes and struggling, the thought that you were sitting at home and claiming things you were not entitled to is disgusting."