A woman who fraudulently claimed more than £53,000 in benefits has received a suspended prison sentence.

Lisa Anderson, formerly known as Lisa Tuck, from Walton, pleaded guilty to two counts of benefit fraud after she dishonestly failed to declare that she was living with a partner.

The 44-year-old incorrectly received income support of £32,373.30, housing benefit of £17,491.19 and £3,859.26 of council tax benefit.

The overpayments, which were made between October 2008 and October 2011, totalled £53,723.75.

Councillor James Browne, Elmbridge Council cabinet member for housing, said: “This case should serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of failing to declare living together arrangements.

“This individual now has huge debts to repay as well as criminal record, which could have been avoided if the proper information had been disclosed.

“I would encourage any claimants who may not have disclosed partners living with them to do so and also for members of the public to report suspected benefit fraud by contacting the council’s confidential fraud hotline on 01372 474291.”

Anderson was sentenced to 40 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years at Guildford Crown Court n November 29.

She was also ordered to repay the overpayments.