A COUPLE who cheated the benefits system of more than £94,000 have avoided going to jail.

Burnley Crown Court heard Warren Myers and Yvonne Unsworth failed to declare their true incomes and the fact she co-owned a second property, valued at £180,000, while claiming benefits over seven years.

As well the £180,000 Buckshaw Village home which the couple were renting out, the pair’s first residence in Pasture Grove, Whalley, is located on a street where properties have recently sold for prices between £350,000 to £480,000.

Self-employed Myers, 51, claimed £16,349 in carer’s allowance for looking after Unsworth, 46, who has a long history of illness.

However the business owner and photographer failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of the fact that his earnings were over the government’s prescribed limit.

But the court heard how this ‘paled in comparison’ to the claims made by his partner, who failed to declare the second property while applying for benefits.

Prosecuting, Robert Elias, said: “Ms Unsworth has been claiming employment and support allowance since September 2009, ending in May 2016.

“She was not entitled to this as she failed to reveal that she co-owned a property which was mortgaged, but rented out. This resulted in an over-payment of £71,800.

“Moreover she was in receipt of £6,072 council tax benefits. She claims she didn’t realise this was not allowed and that owning a property meant she had a capital ‘nest egg’.

“It could be said that Mr Myers’ crime was slightly more understandable as he was caring for his partner, although he was still not entitled to the payments.”

Defending the pair, Richard Prew said the two-year investigation which had been taking place since the discovery of their false claiming had been ‘to their detriment.’

He said: “This couple pleaded guilty at the very first opportunity. They have lived through this investigation and their health has not improved as a result.

“Over £5,000 has already been repaid to the authorities and the second property is now for sale. They hope between £30,000 to £50,000 may be released from the sale to be paid back to the department immediately.

“The bottom line here is that capital assets were not declared. Ms Unsworth has not been in a position to carry out gainful employment since her ailments arose, but Mr Myers continues to work and is a photographer by trade."

A spokesman for the DWP said: “Only a small minority of benefit claimants are dishonest, but cases like these show how we are catching the minority who cheat the system and divert taxpayers’ money from those who need it.

“We are determined to catch those we suspect of fraudulently claiming benefits by following up on tip-offs.”

Unsworth was given a 18-month suspended sentence and curfew. Myers was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and given a 12-month community order. A proceeds of crime hearing has been scheduled for the new year.