A part-time taxi driver from Walsall who falsely pocketed more than £6,000 in benefits has been ordered to pay back money and do unpaid work.

Wendy Poulton failed to notify the authorities her working tax credit had risen from £61.22 to £120.08 – an increase of £77.86 per week in April 2006.

The 45-year-old of Severn Road, Blakenall, then collected £5,117.71 in housing and £891.57 in council tax benefits she was not entitled to receive.

She pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change of circumstances and was sentenced at Walsall Magistrates Court yesterday.

Mrs Kerry Munro, prosecuting on behalf of Walsall Council, said the case came to light following a national review into benefits claimed by taxi drivers.

She was interviewed in January last year where Poulton confirmed her working tax credit had increased but didn’t realise she needed to notify this.

Mr Roger Owen, defending, said Poulton had not claimed the money dishonestly.

He added she had disclosed the circumstances when interviewed.

Magistrates ordered Poulton to pay £5,000 in compensation and gave her a 12 month community order – with 100 hours of unpaid work.