A MUM-of-five broke down in tears as she was jailed for a year after dishonestly claiming more than £140,000 in benefits.

Tracey Ann Dare, of Lights Close in Christchurch, claimed the cash over a 10-year period by filing claims for housing benefit, council tax benefit, tax credits, jobseekers allowance and income support.

But a barrister acting for the defendant, 51, argued that she had been punished enough by an article which appeared on the front page of the Daily Echo and should be spared a custodial sentence.

A judge at Bournemouth Crown Court heard Dare had not spent the cash on a "lavish lifestyle" but instead used the money on everyday expenses.

She had failed to tell the authorities that she was living and 'maintaining and common household with' Adrian Vare, who was employed in the merchant navy.

Vare, who described himself as a "dirty old merchant seaman" in a police interview, has 11 children and was an unreliable source of income for his family in Christchurch, it was heard.

Rufus Taylor, prosecuting, said authorities from the Department for Work and Pensions completed a 13-point dossier proving Vare, 69, was living in the same house as Dare.

On the list were finance agreements in his name registered to the address, a joint account in both defendants' names and a Butlins holiday form which had both Dare and Vare living in the same house.

A Swinton Insurance policy for Vare from July 2011 listed Dare as his common-law wife.

Mr Taylor said Vare had spent money on gambling and drink. He had "women all over the place", including a second family and another child in New Zealand, it was heard.

Nick Robinson, mitigating for Dare, said she had been punished by the Echo's article.

"Putting to one side if the article was sensationalist or unfair given the mitigation, the reality of that report is that it has further caused her to be vilified," Mr Robinson said.

"She says this: 'I quite deserve it. It's fair.

"'It's just my children and my family. They don't deserve it.'"

He said Dare's children have been left in "anguish" by the press coverage, which "does constitute punishment".

"[Vare's] attitude was unpredictable, uncertain and unreliable," he said.

"He was an incredibly selfish man."

Dare admitted three counts of dishonestly failing to notify the relevant authority of a change in her circumstances, one of being knowingly concerned in a fraudulent activity, and three of dishonest misrepresentation to obtain benefits.

Vare, who admitted two counts of making a dishonest representation to obtain benefit totalling £10,780, had been at his "lowest ebb" after leaving the merchant navy, barrister Michael Standing said.

Judge Brian Forster QC said: "It's important to stress that many people find it difficult to balance the expenses of daily life, particularly when they have a family, but that can be no real justification for offending of this nature and over this length of time.

"Many people live difficult lives, many people make sacrifices for their children.

"It is no excuse for this wholesale dishonest behaviour."

Dare screamed "Oh my God" as Judge Forster told her he was unable to suspend her 12-month sentence.

She sobbed as she was led to the cells by the dock officer.

Vare was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison suspended for 15 months. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay a victims' surcharge.