A WOMAN who claimed benefits while having thousands hidden in savings accounts has been given a conditional discharge.

Brenda Jones began receiving housing and council tax benefits from September 2003.

But Liverpool crown court heard she had thousands tucked away in savings account meaning she wasn’t entitled to the cash.

Stuart Mills, prosecuting, said the 49-year-old failed to declare that in 2003, she had more than £6,000 in ISA and savings accounts, while by February 2005 that had grown to over £16,000.

Jones, of Princes Road, Toxteth, admitted two charges of making false representations.

She was overpaid a total of £7,190.

Zia Chaudhry, defending, told the court Jones, who cares for two children, did not own much of the money.

He said various relatives had given her the cash to look after.

Mr Chaudhry said: “She is not in a position to break down her bank accounts into exactly what is hers and how much belongs to her siblings.”

Judge Robert Warnock sentenced Jones to a two-year conditional discharge and ordered her to pay £1,500 in costs.

He said: “The system only works if you are honest..”