A MUM who invented four children to falsely claim more £62,000 in benefits has been jailed.

Ruth Hinks, 35, who has three real children, even claimed one of the fake children - a daughter named Lisa - was disabled so she could receive the maximum amount available.

She named her four bogus children as Lee John Smith born in March 1991, Louise Jane Hinks born in March 2006, Lisa Jane Hinks born in March 1994 and Sarah Jane Hinks born in May 1995.

Hinks, a mother of two real daughters and one son, said two of her three genuine children were disabled - which they are not.

Rumbled

She also claimed tax credits for children she had no responsibility for, such as those belonging to relatives.

But her scam was rumbled when she sent off her annual renewal form detailing a made up change in circumstances, which would have entitled her to more money.

Tax credit claims are routinely checked and monitored for fraud, and her claim was flagged up to investigators.

Hinks, of Hall Street, Offerton, Stockport, pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming £62,158 in Child and Working Tax Credits between August 2003 and January 2007. The mum, who worked for a high street furniture retailer, was jailed for 20 months at Manchester Crown Court.

The judge took into account the fact she had serious personal problems and reduced the sentence from two years.

Message

Peter Hollier, of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), said: "The vast majority of tax credit claimants are honest and claim only what they are entitled to, but the defendant was thoroughly dishonest and considered herself above the law.

"Tax credit fraud is not a harmless tax fiddle and this sentence sends a clear message to others tempted to try and cheat the system that the courts take this crime seriously."

Single parent Hinks applied for tax credits in February 2003 for her three genuine children.

But during the period of her claim she gradually added the four fake children, claimed for other children she had no responsibility for, made up childcare costs and added non existent disability elements to some of the claims.

Hinks also falsified her income, working hours and childcare costs.