A 33 year old woman who was overpaid more than ?13,000 by the Department of Health and Social Security has been jailed by the High Bailiff for four months.

Jacqueline Anne Radcliffe of Heather Crescent, Douglas, appeared for sentence after admitting seven offences of making false statements to obtain social security benefit.

The offences were committed over a 17 month period.

The defendant failed to inform the Department of Health and Social Security that her circumstances had changed. When her husband moved back in with her she also failed to declare that she was working at a local public house.

Radcliffe's advocate urged for a suspended sentence and said the defendant had only been trying to keep her family together, and that the money was not spent on any frivolous items.

Mr Moyle said he could not close his eyes to such a serious fraud