A WOMAN has been ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work after admitting three charges of fraudulently claiming benefits.

Gail Maher, of Maple Crescent, Leigh, failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Wigan Council she was living with Stephen Jackson as husband and wife when she knew this would affect her entitlement to Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support and housing and council tax benefits.

The 33-year-old committed the offences between January 2013 and November 2015.

She appeared at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

As well as imposing a community order on Maher magistrates ordered her to pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

Craig Scanlon, of Knowsley Avenue, Golborne, admitted intentionally causing £20 worth damage to a stair rail in a property in Leigh on May 3.

The 30-year-old was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £300 court costs.