TWO Epsom women have been given suspended prison sentences for benefit fraud totalling over £40,000.
Magda Escada, of Hook Road, admitted four charges at Redhill Magistrates' Court on January 31
The court heard that Miss Escada had gone to Portugal shortly after moving in to a property in Pelman Way, Epsom, in May 2009 but had failed to notify Epsom and Ewell Borough Council that she was no longer living there.
She had fraudulently claimed more than £25,000 in benefits.
She was jailed for 12 weeks, suspended for 12 months.
Miss Escade was ordered to repay the money she obtained fraudulently.
She was also ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work, pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £80.
Sylwia Wozniak of Cavendish Walk, admitted two counts of benefit fraud when she received over £19,500 in overpaid benefits.
She was sentenced to 18 weeks' custody, suspended for two years.
She must pay back the overpayment, as well as £1,000 costs and a £80 victim surcharge.
Ms Wozniak must also do 300 hours' unpaid work.
