A WOMAN who benefited by an estimated £79,757 from a benefits fraud, must pay back more than half of that sum from her share of proceeds from the sale of her house.

The proceeds of crime order was made against Kathleen Stephenson at Durham Crown Court, where she was given a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, on March 31.

She previously admitted three counts of dishonestly making a false statement to obtain benefit.

The 62-year-old, of Sharp Road, Newton Aycliffe, received Income Support and Employment Support Allowance overpayments on the basis she claimed she was single on forms completed in 2006, 2010 and 2011.

During that period she was said to be actually living with her husband.

Recorder Ian Atherton ordered that she benefited by £79,757, but as some repayments have been made, it was adjusted to £77,806.

The available amount was agreed at £41,256 which must be paid within three months, with a 12-month prison sentence in default of payment. Should her home remain unsold in three months, she can seek an extension.