A TEIGNBRIDGE couple defrauded the public purse of almost £53,000, a court has been told.

At Exeter Crown Court 45-year-old Sarah Webster pleaded guilty to the conspiracy spanning four years during which time she made repeated false claims to the council and the Department of Work and Pensions, failing to tell them that her circumstances had changed.

Webster's partner Sean Noyce also admitted the conspiracy charge. The figure involved in his case was just over £13,000. He was given an eight-week prison term suspended for 12 months with 60 hours' unpaid work in the community.

Prosecutor Stephen Mooney said Webster's partner had moved back into the home at Lynn Grove, Kingskerswell, and the false claims began.

Webster was give a 24-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months with a 12-month supervision order and 120 hours' unpaid work in the community.

Passing sentence, Recorder Keith Lindblom QC told Webster: "This was a deliberate fraud to deprive the public purse of a considerable amount of money.

"But you have pleaded guilty and shown remorse. Also your risk of re-offending is considered low."