A 61 YEAR old Skipton woman who falsely claimed more than £14,000 in benefits has received a community sentence from Bradford Crown Court.

Claire Greenwood admitted at Skipton Magistrates' Court earlier this month to failing to notify Craven District Council of a change in her circumstances between April 7, 2014 and August 28, 2016.

She further admitted making a false statement to the council on or about October 13, 2008.

Greenwood, of Pinhaw Road, failed to notify the council in her claim for housing and council tax benefit that she had worked for three different companies during the more than two year period.

She had also signed a council form confirming there had been no change in her circumstances, the court was told at the time.

Greenwood had been overpaid a total of £14,380.50p in council tax benefit and housing benefit.

She was a woman of previous good character and had since paid back all the money.

Greenwood was sent to crown court for sentencing, where on Friday she received a 12 month community order with 120 hours unpaid work. She will also have to complete up to 15 rehabilitation requirement days, and pay a surcharge of £85.