A DOLE cheat mum who plundered tens of thousands of pounds she wasn't entitled to has walked free from court.

Sally Smith claimed income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit for three years claiming she was a single mum.

But in reality the 37-year-old mum-of-three, who got more than £28,500 over two-and-a-half years, was being supported by her husband.

Simon Goodman, prosecuting, said Smith first made a claim for income support in December 2012, which was dishonest from the outset.

The following month she claimed housing and council tax benefits from Wiltshire Council.

He said on the claim forms she said she was no longer living with her husband but bank statements showed his wages went into her account.

Other documents also illustrated that he was still supporting her with insurance forms having them as living at the same address.

Mr Goodman said she got £9,087.73p in income support, £19,134.86p housing benefit and £309.45p council tax benefit making a total of £28,532.04p.

When she was questioned she told investigators she was 'disgusted' with herself for what she had done.

Smith, of Danvers Way, Westbury, pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false representation to obtain benefits.

Giving an oral report probation officer Karen Fowler said "It is very clear that she is incredibly remorseful about events.

"She tells me at the time she genuinely didn't think she was doing anything wrong. At the time she was going through a difficult time with her husband."

She told the court that he had been violent, as he was drinking heavily at the time, and moved out of the house, though he continued to support her and the children.

At the time she was claiming the money she said she was struggling with depression and anxiety and is now trying to pay the cash back.

She said she had given up a part time job she loved for another post with better wages to make it easier to make the repayments.

Tony Bignall, defending, said his client was now back with her husband and doing her best to put things right.

Passing sentence Recorder Malcolm Gibney said "I hear and accept that back in the latter part of 2012 and early 2013 you were going through a difficult period in your relationship with your husband.

"You know full well that the benefits system is under pressure and has been for many years. There are needy and deserving people who require that money. You had the advantage of being supported by your partner."

He imposed a 12 month jail term suspended for two years with 100 hour of unpaid work.