A POOLE mother-of-two has been jailed for six months after admitting claiming almost £24,000 in benefits under false pretences.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how Angela Gifford, from Gough Crescent, Waterloo, had admitted being "a little bit dishonest" after her crimes came to light.

She pleaded guilty to 153 offences involving fraudulent claims for income support, housing benefit and council tax totalling £23,926.

Prosecuting, Nigel Mitchell said Gifford had been working part-time in an off-licence and paying tax on her earnings when she had made false benefit claims.

He added: "Computers talk to one another and the Department for Work and Pensions' computer spoke to the Inland Revenue computer.

"When Miss Gifford was interviewed she told investigating officers she was silly and accepted she had been a bit dishonest."

The court heard how Gifford had been employed when she had started claiming benefits.

Defending, Robert Griffiths said his client was "unsuitable for anything other than a custodial sentence".

Sentencing Gifford, Judge Samuel Wiggs told her: "You have been extremely frank with the probation officer and those investigating these matters.

"I give you credit for your pleas of guilty and frankness. I'm anxious that you don't lose your home and you should be able to go back to work as soon as possible."

Speaking after the case, John Martin, the Department for Work and Pensions' South West senior investigations manager told the Daily Echo: "Benefit cheats are finding fewer places to hide; in this case the claim was fraudulent from the outset.

"Benefit theft is a crime and hopefully this prison sentence will act as a deterrent."