A woman who fraudulently claimed more than £12,000 in benefits has escaped a jail sentence.

Sharon Honess, of Willis Close, Epsom, was prosecuted by Epsom and Ewell Council after it unearthed information that she was claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

The 35-year-old received an inheritance from her late mother’s estate in July 2005 but failed to inform the council and continued to receive her benefits.

She had previously pleaded not guilty to all the offences against her, stating she had not acted dishonestly and that it was her mother’s dying wish that the estate should be shared by her grandchildren.

But Honess admitted that all the money had been paid into her account and accounts held jointly with her sister.

She also admitted opening a high-interest bank account and had the maximum individual amount in premium bonds in her name.

Honess received 30-weeks’ jail, suspended for 12 months and received 100 hours unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £12,199.86 in compensation to Epsom and Ewell Council within 21 days, £1,000 prosecution costs and £500 towards defence costs.

A council spokeswoman said: “Epsom and Ewell Council uses many methods to detect and investigate potential fraud.

“Information from the public is crucial in our fight against benefit fraud and anyone with information about someone claiming benefits they are not entitled to should call the fraud hotline on 01372 732275. Calls are confidential and will be investigated.”