A WOMAN who stole thousands of pounds in benefit payments has been spared jail.

Judith Tyack, of The Sands, Milton-under-Wychwood, Chipping Norton, had already admitted two counts of fraud by false representation.

Oxford Crown Court heard at her sentencing on Tuesday how the 57-year old stole £28,533.17 in pension credit and £2,143.18 in council tax benefit by failing to declare land assets between 2011 and 2015.

She was given a community order for 18 months to include 180 hours of unpaid work to be carried out within 12 months. Tyack will also be subject to a later proceeds of crime hearing to recover the money.