A GAMBLER who falsely claimed £18,000 worth of benefits to support her addiction was spared jail yesterday.
Lillian Dick worked as a cleaner for four years while continuing to receive incapacity benefit.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Dick, 47, spent all her money on slot machines.
Her barrister, Ailsa McDonald, told the court: "This is a lady who has had a serious gambling addiction.
"She only realised the seriousness of it when, one morning, she woke up and realised she did not have enough money to buy a pint of milk."
Dick's claim for incapacity benefit started off legitimately in 1997. When she was taken on in 1999 by a firm cleaning caravans in Northumberland, Scarborough and Berwick, she failed to notify officials.
Dick, of Park Road, Jarrow, South Tyneside, admitted failing to report a change in circumstances.
She was sentenced to an electronic curfew from 7pm to 7am for six months and a 12-month community rehabilitation order.
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