A WOMAN who fraudulently claimed around £17,000-worth of benefits has been handed a suspended sentence.

Maria Kapusniak, of Settler Close, Andover, failed to tell Test Valley Borough Council between December 3, 2012, and July 3, 2016, that her earnings had increased which would affect her benefits.

At Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 23, the 56-year-old pleaded guilty to failing to notify the council.

The court heard that Kapusniak had been claiming more housing and council tax benefit during the four-year period than she was entitled to.

Magistrates handed Kapusniak a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £115 victim surcharge.